You want flat! There isn't a 10K course flatter than the Parker River National Wild Refuge Race Against Extinction 10K on Plum Island. We're talking zero percent change in elevation. The out and back race is run as a benefit for an organization trying to save several endangered birds that inhabit the island. At the start of the race the President of the sponsoring organization tried to informed the participants about the importance of her group's cause, unfortunately she was rudely cut-off by several boisterous folks who were more intent on running then recognizing the cause they just shelled out an entry fee for. This proved to be quite an embarrassing moment for the majority of runners who politely listened.
After the race did start, Tom Doody, of Pelham, NH, who finished second last year, took the lead from the beginning and ran to victory. Last year Doody finished just seconds behind the legendary Buddy Bostick of Newburyport. This year, however, with Bostick watching from the sidelines, it was clear sailing for 35 year old Pelhamite.
The female winner was Susannah Landreth of Newburyport. Beating all the female runners was an impressive feat, considering that ace runners Sue Passler and Kathleen Long were in the field. But if Landreth were a male, she would have taken top honors in the 20-29 age division too! In fact, with all due respect to the 20-29 male winner, there where nine masters and 3 seniors who ran faster times than the male open winner. If this is any indication of where US road running is today -- YIKES!
Newburyport's John Boyle perhaps turned in the performance of the day. The 52 year old Boyle ran 34:57, good to place fourth overall. Hey, this guy would make a great open runner by today's standards.
This race is expertly managed by the Winner's Circle Runners Club. As with all Winners Circle races, they don't guaranteed you'll run a fast time, but they make sure you have a good time. If you're looking for a fun event, in a great location and for a good cause, give this race consideration next year.
Photo: Sue Passler of the host Winner's Circle Runners Club
You want flat! There isn't a 10K course flatter than the Parker River National Wild Refuge Race Against Extinction 10K on Plum Island. We're talking zero percent change in elevation. The out and back race is run as a benefit for an organization trying to save several endangered birds that inhabit the island. At the start of the race the President of the sponsoring organization tried to informed the participants about the importance of her group's cause, unfortunately she was rudely cut-off by several boisterous folks who were more intent on running then recognizing the cause they just shelled out an entry fee for. This proved to be quite an embarrassing moment for the majority of runners who politely listened.
