— By The Unknown Runner – Swampscott, MA.
December 22, 2019, the first day of Chanukah, was the date for the 9th Annual Chanukah Run-a-Latke 5K in Swampscott, which was also the final race in the 2019 NSS Grand Prix. A total of 137 runners, including 16 NSS members and 1 Big Bird, turned out for the race. Weather conditions were near perfect for a December run with sun, temperatures flirting with the low 40s and a light wind off the water.
After signing in, getting bibs and collecting shirts, coffee mugs, bags (it’s all about the swag), the runners gathered outside the Chabad of the North Shore for the 11:00 AM start. With the sound of the Shofer (a horn used at Rosh Hashana, but borrowed for this race) the runners headed toward Humphrey Street to begin the scenic loop along the water and through the neighborhoods (including a couple of minor hills) eventually returning to Humphrey Street for the final mile plus to the finish where Mike Page and his colleagues from North Shore Timing were recording and compiling the results. (See NSS results)
Upon completing the race, the runners were treated to an after party at the Chabad with food – shakshuka (a tomato egg dish), babaganoush (an eggplant dish), and of course latke and donuts – music, friendly conversation and recognition of those runners who turned in outstanding performances.
Congratulations to all NSS members who participated. You acquitted yourself and the Club well. A special recognition and congratulations to Allie Vered who organized, promoted and put on a great event.
Since this was the final race of the 2019 NSS Grand Prix it should be noted that many NSS members (I think everyone knows who they are) have volunteered a great deal of time, energy and talent during the past year to make the Club a success for all members. So now, on to a successful 2020!
The 124 Finishers were dominated by the Kay family.
Aidan Kay was 1st Overall; Alexandra Kay was 6thOverall but 1st in her age group, and was the 2nd Woman Overall, missing out on 1st Woman by only 20 seconds. Marianna Kay and Christy Kay also finished 1st in their respective age-groups. And Joseph Kay finished 3rd in his age group in his first competitive road race.
| Overall | Place in Age Group | Age Group | Time | |
| 1st | Aidan Kay | 1st/2 | M1924 | 19:26.9 |
| 6th | Alexandra Kay | 1st/5 | F1924 | 20:39.8 |
| 16th | Marianna Kay | 1st/5 | F0112 | 22:48.1 |
| 21st | Sal Genovese | 2nd/3 | M5054 | 23:07.2 |
| 32nd | Dave Jefska | 5th/6 | M6064 | 25:19.2 |
| 45th | Paul Hennessey | 2nd/4 | M7074 | 26:39.6 |
| 49th | Christy Kay | 1st/4 | M0112 | 27:08.1 |
| 53rd | Karen Batt | 5th/10 | F4549 | 27:38.9 |
| 56th | Halyna Kay | 5th/7 | F4044 | 28:26.3 |
| 66th | Sally Fowler | 3rd/8 | F5559 | 29:34.1 |
| 72nd | Joseph Kay | 3rd/4 | M0112 | 30:37.5 |
| 73rd | Sean Kay | 5th/7 | M4044 | 30:37.7 |
| 77th | Dave Newhall | 1st/4 | M7579 | 31:06.7 |
| 78th | Cheryl Welsh | 1st/2 | F6064 | 31:06.8 |
| 80th | Linda Desjardins | 1st/3 | F7074 | 31:19.5 |
| 85th | Michael Pelletier | 2nd/4 | M7579 | 32:26.1 |
— Stats by Michael
Thanks, anonymous writer, for accepting the writing challenge. I loved the things you included that I would never have thought of. I didn’t even hear the Shofer, let alone know it was blown to start the race!
My only addition is a humorous one, I think. I was standing near Big Bird before the race started and told him he’d better play fair and not fly any parts of the race. The woman he was with responded “It won’t be fair – he’ll have a tailwind the whole way.” I loved it!
Nice writing.
Linda