Thompson Island '95: Erin go 'way

A Race Director's Perspective

by Don Allison

As I was watching the news on television a week prior to the 5th annual Thompson Island 8K on August 6th, the meteorologist made an innocuous reference to a tropical storm named Erin developing into a hurricane off of the coast of Florida. My immediate reaction: "Oh no". For some reason I just knew this storm was going to have an impact on our race a week's hence. Unfortunately, I was as right as rain. A lot of rain.

As we approached this year's race, things couldn't have been brighter. Thanks to Sheldon Cooperman, volunteer support was at its highest level in years. With my sister Roberta away the week prior to the race, Sheldon stepped up and grabbed control of the race. In addition to arranging volunteer assignments, Sheldon was instrumental in garnering two primary sponsors for the race, Cashman Construction and Patagonia. By early Saturday, we had everything organized and out on the island. The only thing left to do was go home, relax, and pray - that Erin would spare Boston and our race.

Such luck was not to be ours however, as by early Sunday a steady rain had overspread the region. Down at the Landing, our small shuttle boat was being tossed about by the heavy winds and rain, as we loaded the gear for the short trip to Thompson Island. I could only shake my head and hope that enough runners would show up for us to hold a race, one that I wasn't sure would be even possible to conduct.

Back at the World Trade Center, the rain let up a bit as runners began to appear at registration. Nearly 80 percent of the pre registrants turned up, as well as 25 race day sign- ups. It was heartening to see that so many runners were willing to give it a try. Still, there was no doubting the weather would cost us dozens of potential runners.

The cruise boats had trouble docking in the rough seas, but once on the island, we set up the course marshalls and readied for the race. At 11:05, the gun sounded and the field of 150 runners was off. By the second field crossing past mile 1, Jim Garcia and crowd favorite Lou Ristiano were engaged in a tight battle for the lead. Bob O'Hara was close behind, but it was clear that this was to be a two man race.

In the four previous Thompson Island races, the winner has always had a clear margin of victory. This time though, the issue was far from settled as Garcia appeared back on the field with 1/2 mile left; Ristiano was still only yards behind. On the track both runners were digging hard, trying to find a higher gear. It was Garcia who found it, expanding his lead. Ristiano slipped making the final turn, but by then the issue was settled. Garcia crossed the line in 28:13, four big seconds ahead of Lou, who incredibly finished 2nd for the fourth time here in as many tries. Victory will be sweet indeed when Lou finally claims victory.

Former Boston University runner Antje Seims won the women's race in a close contest with Vermont's Windy Hutchings and Valerie Madden. Valerie finished third, matching the finish of her husband Bob O'Hara. These two, along with BBRR friend Stephen Peckiconis, have completed all five Thompson Island races. Perhaps the most outstanding performance of the day was turned in by Charles Kellog, age 55, from New York. He obliterated the men's senior course record by over 4 minutes, finishing 14th overall in 31:22.

Naturally, as the runners finished, they quickly migrated back underneath the big tent, which was protected from the wind and rain. The cookout was underway; as there were no activities on the field, the runners took to eating and drinking in earnest. Our two kegs of beer were barely enough to accommodate the thirsty crowd. A group of us were secluded in an office up at the main building trying to decipher the soggy results sheets. When we had the age group winners determined, I ran back to the tent. From a distance one could see hear the music blaring (compliments of Ken Doucette), smell the barbecue's aroma, and see several folks line dancing to the cheers of the others. Certainly the rain was not dampening the enthusiasm of THIS group!

The awards ceremony was a lively affair, highlighted by the fantastic array of prizes. There were plenty of prizes for both race and several raffle winners.

All of the runners departed on the 2 pm boat back to the mainland, allowing our hardy BBRR group to enjoy a relaxing afternoon of music, dancing, and conversation as we cleaned up and prepared for the trip back. Every race is going to be tested by difficult conditions some year; without question in the 5th edition of the race, the Back Bay Road Runners passed Erin's test with flying colors.

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