Author: The Running Griffin

If you are hoping for miracle running tips about how to go out and win the next Boston Marathon, then this website is not for you. I am in no stretch of the imagination an elite runner but then again not many of us are or they wouldn’t be called “elite.” What I am is a runner who has realized the joy of running. Whether it be a 5k race in support of a local cause or a half-marathon or full-marathon with the finish line seeming at times to never be in sight, running allows each of us the ability to sort of leave behind the rest of the world and focus on simply getting to the finish line. We might not win a trophy and we might not make a career out of running but what we are guaranteed is a certain friendship among running friends, better health and the endorphin filled pride each time we cross a finish line. This website will allow me to highlight different races that I have done, perhaps some that I plan on doing and maybe other running stories that I hope to share with runners like myself.

It’s a Great Weekend for the Irish

On March 23, 2014 By The Running Griffin1 Comment

If you are an Irish-American and have never run the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race then you, my friend, are not truly Irish.

Historically, the city known as the Paper City hosted so many Irish immigrants that the city was called Ireland Parish. An old mill town by nature, Holyoke is a rough and tumble city that prides itself on its Irish roots each year the weekend after St. Patrick’s Day with a Saturday 10k followed by one of the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades on Sunday morning. Mix in pubs filled with people enjoying Irish music, corned beef and cabbage and fresh Guinness and you have yourself one heck of a weekend.

The 10k road race is a hilly challenge with the first 3.5 miles featuring runners climbing their way toward Holyoke Community College. Once there, just past the four mile marker the course takes a dramatic down hill swing where you can really let the legs go. Another small incline is just past Holyoke High School around the 5.2 mile marker and the last mile is another nice downhill to allow you to kick it into the finish line.

This race prides itself on the merriment along the course with fans packing both the starting and finishing line and crowds strategically placed along the course. Parties at houses lining the course play Irish music, a marching band was at the 3.1 mile marker, a bagpiper plays away just shy of 4 miles and spectators genuinely are excited to see the runners taking to the streets of Holyoke.

This year’s race featured Dick and Rick Hoyt at the starting line as they are the JFK Award Winners and will be marching in the parade on Sunday morning.

This year, the first 3 miles or so I was cramping pretty good and had a tough time pushing through it. I felt a little better once through the hills but this was one of the first races I have done in a while as marathon training long runs have consumed a lot of my time. I finished the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race with a time of 54:57 which equates to 8:51/miles. Last year I ran about 4 minutes faster but with marathon training in full swing and stomach cramps not a terrible result.

The winners of this year ‘s Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race both hail from Ethiopia with Menitsu Nebsi winning the race overall with a time of 29:42 and female winner Askala Merachi beating the women’s course record with a time of 33:14. Continue reading “It’s a Great Weekend for the Irish” →

Whitin Five Mile Road Race

On March 17, 2014March 17, 2014 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

The Running Griffin would like to thank the Whitin Five Mile Road Race for sponsoring Running for Cailin in support of Tufts Medical Center and The Floating Hospital for Children.

This race seeks to promote family health and fitness, and support programs that help protect the environment. The Whitin Five Mile Road Race is held in Upton, Massachusetts and includes raffles, coffee, cash and merchandise awards (must be present to obtain), race t-shirts and refreshments. Lockers, hot showers, and parking amenities provided by the Whitin Community Center, as well as computer chip timing by Racewire.

Stay tuned to the Whitin Five Mile Road Race website for more information about the 2014 race and be sure to “Like” them on Facebook by clicking here.

Sixth Annual Krit Classic 5K Run/Walk

On March 14, 2014 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Registration is now open for the Sixth Annual Krit Classic 5K Run/Walk which will be held on June 1st in Andover, Massachusetts.

This race is held in memory of Kristin Kearins who lost her life after a tragic bicycle accident. To read more about the amazing life of Krit, please click here.

This 5K road race/walk will raise money for the Krit (Kristin) Kearins Memorial Scholarship Fund. Krit had a heart of gold and an enthusiasm for life that was infectious. She touched an amazing number of lives in her 26 short years… as a loving daughter, sister, friend and dedicated Nursing Assistant at Children’s Hospital in Boston.

To register for the race, please click here. Be sure to also “Like” the race on Facebook by clicking here.

FOP Lodge #28 Five Mile 50/50 Charity Run

On March 8, 2014 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

We all know that runners have some of the biggest hearts when it comes to running for charity. We sign up for races that support causes, run marathons to fundraise for charities that are important to us and support other runners in their fundraising efforts. Here is a great race that exemplifies the charitable efforts of the running community.

Join the FOP Lodge #28 for their Five Mile Charity Run. This event is 5 Mile 50/50 Charity Run. Course is mainly flat in a rural area. During the on-line registration process you will be asked to designate which 501(c) 3 charity you would like to register for a chance to win 50% of the profits from this event. Once all race expenses are paid MA. FOP Lodge #28 will keep 50% of the profits. All registered runners and the name of your chosen charity will be entered into a drawing. At the end of the run a name will be drawn and that runner’s chosen charity wins the other 50%!!!! NO T-SHIRTS will be given out to keep the cost of the event down thus more money for the charity. Each participant will receive a commemorative inscribed bronze medallion as a memento.

Open for early and day of registration at 7:30am. Indoor facilities are available with plenty of parking. Run begins at 9am!!!! Course is a 5 mile loop in a rural area, mostly flat with one water stop. Post race refreshments will be provided. In lieu of t-shirts all runners will receive a commemorative bronze medallion recognizing their participation in this charity event. NO PETS allowed on the running course. Run takes place rain or shine. Trophies will be given for top overall Male and Female winner. Awards for First and Second Place, Male and Female in all age divisions. 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+.

To register for this race, please click here.

2014 Registration Now Underway for Maine Marathon

On March 1, 2014 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

A big thank you to the Maine Marathon organizers for supporting Running for Cailin which benefits the Floating Hospital for Children and Tufts Medical Center! Please support the Maine Marathon and register for their race series today.

With both a marathon and half-marathon option, the Maine Marathon takes place in one of my all-time favorite cities of Portland, Maine. For those looking to qualify for the 2015 Boston Marathon, the Maine Marathon is a qualifier race and comes complete with the following amenities:

Water stops with Gatorade (lemon-lime Endurance Formula) located approximately every two miles.
Hi-tech long-sleeve t-shirt
Automatic timing with ChronoTrack B-Tag chip
Goody bags to first 3,000 at packet pickup
Post-race refreshments
Pre- and post-race massages available at start/finish line
Baggage check available at start/finish area
Finishers medal to all runners and certificate of completion to marathoners
Showers and lockers available at USM’s Sullivan Gym
Medical tent located at finish line, with additional medical personnel patrolling the course
Professional photo service, PhotoChambers, will take photos of all finishers and make them available for purchase
All entrants receive a coupon to a selected Portland Sea Dogs game in 2014. The game will be designated as Maine Marathon Day

With 3500 runners allowed to register for the race, the Maine Marathon has a nice feel to not being a crowded run but still ensures all the things a marathon should have. With a race expo leading up to the run, a pristine course and spectators along the way, if you are looking for a marathon to sign up for then this one is for you!

The Maine Marathon features a moderately hilly out-and-back course for all three races — marathon, relay and half marathon. The spectator-friendly course starts and finishes along our beautiful inner bay — the Back Cove.

To register for either the full marathon, the half-marathon or the relay, please click here. You can also “Like” the Maine Marathon on Facebook by clicking here.