The home of John and Connie Worgan perches above the pine trees overlooking Seymour Pond on the border between Harwich and Brewster. The typical approach involves a moderate ascent along the northeastern slope and a short traverse along the north-south ridge. However, Mr. Worgan painstakingly structures his course year on year to both descend and ascend the more challenging southern col, also known as the Lake Shore Traverse. Due to a sometimes treacherous crossing of Route 124 and the periodic appearance of the crazy residents of Seagull Lane, the course was redesigned as an out and back run along Great Fields Road this year, replete with potholes, dust, dirt, and rocks. And rather than end at an even 4 miles, a small .4 mile extension added the brutal hill for the last 200 meters. At least this year, the weather conditions at the summit were mild and unusually calm, providing a respite from crampons for the weary climbers.
At about the 1 ¾ mile and 3 ½ mile points, the race course passed by the home of local inhabitant Sharyn Greenleaf who offered water, candy canes, and beer to the passing athletes. Several runners took advantage of the invitation into the house and haven't been heard from since. Several more were lost in the dust of the SUV obstacle near Moby Dick farm. George Gomes, Mike Herlihy, Rich Gori, and Geof Newton led the field out at a comfortable pace. With a net loss in altitude over the first half of the course, Rich pushed the lead until launching into the rolling hills of the return trip, where Geof took control of the race and led to the end. Due to the challenging hills and the last summit, few were able to achieve a sub-6:15 minute per mile pace. Geof led in in 26:02 followed by George, Mike, Rich, and Sean Doherty. The women's overall race was dominated by the 40-49 age group as Susan Lowry of Sandwich led in a time of 31:05, followed by Mary Peabody and Kathleen Thomas. Kate Naples finished in 34:07 as first Filly and Judy Stacy-Johnson rounded out the top 5 in 35:37. The good weather and the holiday weekend invited a number of visitors as we welcomed the McKenna's, the Shaw's, Sue Chapman, Shelley Spencer, and soon to be club member Laura Hayden. Next weekend, Laura heads off to Disney as a member of Joe's Marathon Heart Champions and takes her first stab at 26 miles and 385 yards.
In the Grand Prix series points race, a few more divisions were clinched as Susan Lowry and Mary Peabody claimed top honors in the women's 40-44 and 45-49 age groups respectively. Geof Newton closed out the men's 30-34 age group and Mike Sellars took the men's 40-44 division. In the Clydesdale division, Brian Kelly wrested control from the initial leaders, Tom Warren and Rob Kadunc and Bob Eckerson topped the men's 50-54 age group. Still undecided and in heavy competition, the men's 40-44 is now led by Michael Parker who is closely followed by Mike Naughton, Larry Spencer, and Will Kadunc. In the men's 50-54 division, Tom Nally and Steve Ryan have picked up a few points as they close in on 2nd place Jack Klim and in the 55-59 age group, Tom Radziewicz took advantage of a thin field to pick up 10 points and inch closer to Bill Ferguson and Tom Keith.
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/.