Another bright, clear day dawned for race #4 in the Winter Grand Prix series. Mike Baker who, in times of desperation, low money, or simple ennui, makes his way back from Boston to hang out with his brother and sister just up the street, led the field on this fast out and back course. A few seconds behind as he still recovers his legs after an inaugural 50 mile run at the Nifty Fifty, Adam Polakowski finished as the first points-earning club member in a time of 23:15. Matt Theodore, Mike Naughton, Sandwich High runner Rich Gori, and Mike Herlihy rounded out the top 6 positions with sub-6:00 minute per mile pace over the 4 mile course. In the women's race, Cathy Klim led in an even 26 minutes followed by Susan Lowry, Mary Peabody, Kathleen Thomas and first Filly, Kate Naples. A number of new faces down for the holidays joined us again as we welcomed Kirsten Kelly, Alison Cole, and Sue McKenna who all took top honors in their respective age divisions. Spooked by the runners and the arrows, a local driver collided with another automobile at the 2 mile mark and left some fine bits of metal and glass but no runners were involved in the accident.
After the run, runners, spectators, and the Nally's dog made short work of the food and the 130 cans of beer. Janet Radziewicz severely injured a nice looking cake and distributed its remains amongst the revelers as she made a graceful entry into the 40+ age division. But since she started the series in the 35-39 age group, we're not going to force her to compete with Susan and Kathleen this year. Its a little unclear when the Nally's actually got home from this race as they tend to arrive early and stay late. In the cellar, Joe Weinberger and Russ Hubler discussed their late change of divisions into the Gimp division. Joe's been working too hard trying to keep up with the group bound for Disney and there's not much we can blame for Russ' injuries. They'll both be back, eager to fry some rubber next year!
As the 4th of the 7 Grand Prix races on the docket this year, this marked the first opportunity for some divisions to be clinched; and they were as Cathy Klim handily won the women's 50-54 age group, Bill Masterson claimed the top of the men's 60-64, and Bill Riley closed out the supermasters bracket. Races to watch in the remaining series races: Mary Peabody and Judy Stacy in the women's 45-49, Jane Hattemer and Cheryl Ferguson battling for 4th place 50-54, positions 2-5 which are completely up for grabs in the men's 35-39 division, Mike Parker and Mike Naughton who can clinch with one more win but Parker has been posting alot more races and has some extra points on the board to play with, Dave Mason, Steve Ryan, and Tom Nally who have all been finishing within 30 seconds of each other as they vie for 4th place in the men's 50-54 age group, and Tom Warren and Rob Kadunc as they fight for the number 2 slot in the Clydesdale division.
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/.