NECC Campus Classic 5K

The weather, though not all that conducive to spectating, was in many ways ideal for running. It was overcast, upper 40’s with light wind, and off-and-on drizzle. OK it was a little chilly to stand around during pre-race, and more so post-race with damp running clothes. That body heat built up while racing dissipates rather quickly.

The course meandered pleasantly around the campus and surrounding roads and had some rolling hills to keep us honest. The ever-growing race featured many teams from other community colleges, a large police training class, and other running clubs, all called out in pre-race festivities. There were pre- and post-race refreshments, goody bags and sleeveless tech t-shirts. The Campus Classic is delightfully family-oriented. President Lane Glenn’s daughter, Thomasina, sang the National Anthem beautifully, and many children and parents ran and walked together. Face painters turned out some spectacular art work. The race atmosphere was friendly and upbeat and many, many runners said it’s a race they want to run again.

We had a small but powerful six-member North Shore Strider contingent to represent us in five age categories, and each runner did us proud. Our top finisher was Lauren Hamilton who placed SECOND OVERALL, and there were 82 women competing! Lauren raced an outstanding 22:59, which of course would’ve also taken her women’s 50-59 age group but the top three men and women are bumped out of age group awards. And Lauren is just coming off a spectacular Boston Marathon time of 3:55 run only 19 days ago! Next Strider finisher was Tom McMahon clocking a strong 27:32 which earned him second place in the six-member men’s 60-69 age group. He was also the 39th of 65 men overall. Tom blew Linda Desjardins’ doors off by a minute plus as she came in next at 28:33, second of nine 60-69 year old women. But because the third place overall woman was 60, Linda slid into the gold category. She was the 19th of 82 overall. Close behind was Mary Stevens, our second representative in the 50-59 women’s category, who ran a solid 31:37. That put her in the top 30% of the twenty in her age group and 30th of 82 overall. Our veteran male, Armand Claveau, took gold in the 70-79 age group running 37:29 and besting his age group opponent by a full twenty minutes! He was the 36th of 65 male finishers. And competing in the women’s 30-39 category was one of our newer runners whose dedication and drive make us all proud. Jenny Reynolds was the 64th woman overall and kicked it across that finish line in 46:13.

It was a very pleasant and successful morning. And the ride home in a warm car felt good.