The weather was balmy and seasonal for the beginning of September. But this was the 2nd of December as 81 runners lined up under partially overcast skies and temperatures in the middle 50's. After briefly debating whether this was the 11th or 12th Annual Harry's 5 Mile, Joe Weinberger officially started the (now settled) 12th edition. Rapidly moving to the front were Ken Gartner of Falmouth and Rich Gori, a Sandwich High runner. Rich shadowed Ken, exchanging places periodically over the first 1.5 miles of the race, until Ken applied a brief surge and ran uncontested the rest of the race for a comfortable 1st place finish in 27:42. He was followed in by CCAC webmaster Geof Newton while Rich Gori held on for a sub-30 minute finish in 29:32. Mike Naughton, who had briefly joined the lead pack at the beginning of the race, closed out the sub-30 minute team with a finish time of 29:47. On the women's side, Lori Horan and Christine Pratt-Gorrill paced together much of the way. Lori pulled away to finish in 31:21 followed by Christine a minute back at 32:32 and the unstoppable Cathy Klim at 33:11.
As the first race in the Grand Prix series, all points were up for grabs but this race would begin to define the competition for the weeks ahead. In a hotly contested age group race, Michael Parker managed to just out lean Larry Spencer for 2nd place in the M45-49 division. Cathy Klim and Bill Riley took commanding control of their respective divisions by finishing a solid 7+ minutes ahead of their competition. Tom Warren and Kate Naples took early leads in the Clydesdale and Filly divisions respectively and we welcomed Krissy Indresano, Seth Doran, and Dan Baker in the thin Junior divisions. Sean Doherty claimed first place in the Baby Jogger division with the younger Doherty's. One of these days, they'll start running and we'll all be in big trouble! Taking some time off for cartilage damage, John Martin shouted runners up the hill at the 3 mile mark. Skip Michaelson won't have to work hard against John but he's got his work cut out for him as Mike Naughton, Mike Parker, and Larry Spencer lead the 45-49 AG. In a surprise upset, Tom Radziewicz pushed hard to finish ahead of his wife, Janet, who is still repairing some stubborn injuries. But this was just a warm-up and anything can happen in the weeks ahead as the field (or members thereof) accumulates points, goes on vacation, or decides to take a day off.
After the race, runners, family, friends, cheerleaders, and general on-lookers were treated to steaming hot chowder and chili served by the excellent hosts at Harry's Cajun Restaurant. Several competitors sat on the deck and soaked in some of what could be the last sun seen by Grand Prix runners for a while. And we hear rumors a few club members didn't actually depart from Harry's until after the sun had set!
The Grand Prix series continues every weekend (except 6 January) until the end of January at various locations
across the Cape. Cost is $5 for club members and $10 for non-members. All are invited to attend but only club
members are eligible for points and awards to be presented at the annual club banquet in February. For more
information, visit the CCAC at http://www.capecodathleticclub.org/.