Baldi Run Lots of Fun

Race winner Dan Verrington relaxes following the race. photo Dave Camire

Haverhill, MA - "Am I in Heaven?", I asked. "No sir, you are in Haverhill," was the response. Well you could have fool me, because the Geribaldi 5 Miler is about as close as it comes to road race Heaven.

This excellent event gets two thumbs up (my right and left hand). It's a wonderful addition to the Merrimack Valley road race schedule. Race director Fred Emilio and his crew are to be congratulated for executing a great event.

The race was held along the banks of the mighty Merrimack River, a true jewel. I really enjoyed the race course which was about a flat as they come. This was especially appreciated considering the unusally warm conditions.

Maureen Mahoney took home top honors in the women's division. photo Dave Camire

The race also featured a class field which included hometown favorite Dan Verrington who had just returned to competition a few weeks ago after a layoff caused by injury. With today's win Verrington completed a hometown double of sorts. Last week he won the Reader's Challenge, also held in Haverhill. At that race he beat out Atkinson's Tom Roldan. Apparently the folks at the Reader challenge didn't realize that the race winner is usually excluded from the age division awards. What transpired next was Mr. Verrington getting both the overall prize ($$$) and the age division prize ($$$) and Mr. Roldan (who finished second overall) getting nothing. Dan, deciding that "Hey, I won the race I shouldn't get the age division prize too," graciously gave the age division award to Roldan proving that good guys do indeed finish first.

Race director Fred Emilio photo Dave Camire

In the women's division, Maureen Mahoney easily outdistanced the competition enroute to an excellent 31:50. Temperatures at the start of the race hovered around 85-degrees and continued to climb during the race.

The race was followed by a cookout on the shores of the Merrimack River. Many runners were comparing the race to the East End Club 5-Miler in Lowell, sans the belly dancers. One thing is for certain, it was as hot as an East End Race.