Fred's III

Alex Tilson streaking towards the finish. photo Dave Camire

Worcester, MA - No one ever wrote a book about Fred Brown, but what he did for runners could fill volumes. Fred Brown never won a major race, but he organized thousands of races that helped others win. Fred Brown was the Johnny Appleseed of running. The seeds he sowed have helped build the sport into what it is today.

During his lifetime, Brown never received the recognition he deserved. Fortunately there are several people who are working hard to keep his accomplishments and memory alive.

One such person is Don Drewniak of the Central Mass Striders. Drewniak, who was a good friend of Brown's, organized Fred's Marathon to help keep his memory alive. "I used to talk with him at least once a week up to his death," relates Drewniak. "My only regret is that I never sat down with him and a tape recorder to get an oral history of running in New England."

Brown would have been happy with today's event. It was well organized, low key with few frills. The emphasis was on the runner and the running.

Alex Tilson of Watertown, MA won the marathon. Tilson was on pace for an Olympic qualifying time through 23 miles, but just missed out. A nasty headwind on the back side of the course may have been a factor to Tilson's near miss. I do have to wonder what Fred would have thought of Mr. Tilson's running attire. Dorothy Martin of Barre, VT led the women.

In the accompanying half marathon, Dave Dunham breezed to an easy victory in preparation for next month's Pittsburgh Marathon. Dunham, who already has qualified for the Olympics at this distance, is looking to improve his time and move up to the "A Group". Being part of this elite squad gets you an all expense paid trip to the trials. In the women's division, Cheryl Place of South Hadley, MA placed first with an outstanding 1:30:16.

Although the memory of Fred Brown is slowly fading, the enthusiasm and spirit he brought to the sport is not. As each year passes, there will be a few less runners who remember him. Fortunately there be people like Don Drewniak telling a new generation about the man who help get us here.