Yankee Homecoming 10 Mile and 5K Races

Yankee Homecoming 10 Mile and 5K Races, August 1, 2017 – writeup by Mike Pelletier and Linda Desjardins.

On a night not made for running, not if one considers 85 degrees and humidity to be counter to any desirable running conditions, many runners threw caution to the (lack of) wind and sweated out two races. There were nearly 2,000 5K finishers and close to 1,000 10 mile finishers. All looked like they ran in extreme heat, because they DID. There were some casualties needing ambulance transport to Anna Jacques, and that’s understandable. Perhaps liking the race course itself motivates us. The roads are nicely varied with some rolling hills, some flat areas, some shade, some sun, and lots of eager rooters-on. And if that isn’t enough, Newburyport folks are running savvy and many of them take out their hoses and gladly provide a mist or spray for us to run through. And there are plenty of water stops. And one of the best rewards are the Freeze Pops at the finish line, nicely frozen with the plastic end already cut off so we can get right to the childhood treat. It’s the best. OK there are also the usual things like bananas and chips and protein bars and ice cream. But it’s really all about the Freeze Pops. There’s also the feeling of accomplishment for having risen to the occasion, even though some backed down from the 10 to the 5K. Preservation mode! We had several striders lining up for the race, all of whom should be congratulated just for trying and even moreso for finishing. Special kudos go out to Lauren Hamilton, a woman who obviously has a talent for winning her age group and doing so at an 8-minute pace. In that heat???? WOW.

Dave Jefska did not initially get credit (from us!) for running the 10 miler at Yankee Homecoming in 1:42:40 and being 22/30. All Striders of age are now obligated to buy Dave a beer when convenient.