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.

Ireland 5K

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The season of Irish-themed road races is upon us and on March 5th it was off to New Bedford, Massachusetts for the Ireland 5K. This race is a flat course in the seaport district of New Bedford and starts a few yards away from Slainte Irish Pub which puts on a great post-race party for runners.

Race day weather had a rather typical March chill in the air but the wind was definitely a force to contend with. For this out and back 5K course, the wind wasn’t noticeably at your back on the first half of the race but was intense in the last mile of the run as you made your way into the whipping winds coming off the ocean. In the final stretch of the race running between two buildings it felt as though you were running in quicksand so the legs had to kick even harder to ensure a strong finish.

The race is very well organized and is hosted by former two-time Boston Marathon winner Geoff Smith who with his fellow race director ensure the race goes off without a hitch. With some water on the course, police and volunteers patrolling the turns and Irish music playing at the start helping to keep runners warm and moving, the Ireland 5K is a great race for runners to tackle annually.

I finished the Ireland 5K with a time of 24:59, good for 8:03/miles.

Register Today for Duxbury Half-Marathon!

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Registration is now open for the Duxbury Half-Marathon which will be held in Duxbury, Massachusetts on April 1st! (This isn’t an April Fools joke, we really think you should go register for this race today!)

Runners will run through the historic South Shore village of Duxbury. The course starts at the Duxbury Senior Center on the edge of the town forest along Mayflower Street, originally a Native American trail. The gentle hills prepare you for Bay Road, 2 miles of “heartbreak” hills, and water vistas. You’ll enter “downtown” Duxbury and circle around Standish Shore running along paths the Pilgrims walked on Captains Hill. Captain Myles Standish (the monument) will point the way to the Shipbuilders District and scenic Washington Street. Catch your breath, you have only 4 miles to finish! This route gives you a bit of everything from scenic vistas, beautiful flats and challenging hills. This community fully supports the runners offering you orange slices, jelly beans, water stations and good cheers.

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As someone who has been impacted by the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s, I love that this race’s registration fee benefits the Duxbury Senior Center Alzheimer’s Programs. The Duxbury Half-Marathon is sponsored by the Duxbury Friends of the Council on Aging. It would be great to see some faithful readers at the starting line to help raise funds for an amazing program.

Runners will receive a race shirt along with their registration fee and as an added bonus Duxbury bay oysters will be available at the finish line, as well!

To register for the Duxbury Half-Marathon, please click here to register online. For more information about the Duxbury Half-Marathon, please “Like” their page on Facebook here and follow the race on Twitter!

 

36th Annual Paddy Kelly 5 Miler

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Last Sunday a wintry blast hit Massachusetts and with snow and freezing rain in the forecast all eyes were on email to see if race cancellations would be taking place. Fortunately, the weather gods sort of timed some of the messier conditions around the 36th Annual Paddy Kelly 5 Miler and the Colonial Road Runners were able to kick off their race perfectly on time. The course was shortened to a 4.5 mile loop through the scenic D.W. Field Park in Brockton, Massachusetts as the Avon stretch of the race could not be run due to icier conditions in that section of the park.

The race is a February treat each year with runners tackling the road within D.W. Field Park. The course is a nice stretch through a park and takes runners through the woods, along water and up a moderately challenging stretch known as Tower Hill.

This year, the course was snow covered in a some spots and had a couple of icy spots but other parts of the course were down to the pavement. The terrain was not perfect but sort of added to the allure of running a race in February. The race was a Grand Prix race for my running club and the decision was made all of the team would get the 15 points for the race and not have to worry about pace to ensure the safety of the runners.

Some flurries fell during the run and thankfully the freezing rain that was anticipated stayed away during the race making for an all-around nice winter run!

I finished the Paddy Kelly race with a time of 39:26, good for 8:46/mile. Be sure to keep an eye out for this race next year particularly if you have never run the race; it’s a perfect winter run that everyone should check out!

The Brittany Fund for Trauma and Recovery 5K and 10K

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The Brittany Fund for Trauma and Recovery is having a 5K and 10K race event in Devens, MA on April 8, 2017. Brittany Loring was attending Boston College MBA and Law Schools when on April 15, 2013, on her 29th Birthday, she was critically injured at the Boston Marathon bombings. All proceeds from the race will benefit the Brittany Fund which seeks to help trauma survivors with financial support so they can focus on their physical recovery.

While she was hospitalized, Brittany knew that she wanted to give back to others, as she was being helped during that time. As part of her recovery, Brittany had to learn how to walk again. The first few times that she walked without crutches, was at her graduation ceremonies at Boston College, accompanied by standing ovations at each ceremony. Since then, she has worked tirelessly for her foundation and has donated money to many individuals, that have experienced traumatic injuries. Brittany is dedicated to helping others receive the care that they need through her foundation.

To register for the Brittany Fund 5K or 10K, please click here to register online. Our friends from Thirsty Irish Runners are offering a discount code of THIRSTYIRISH you can use to register online to save 10% off your registration fee. The course this year is a fun, flat course and will start at 27 Jackson Road in Devens, Massachusetts and will go throughout the town.

For more information about The Brittany Fund for Trauma and Recovery, please click here to “Like” the fund on Facebook.

Register for the West Island 5K

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Registration is now open for the West Island 5K which will be held in the coastal community of Fairhaven, Massachusetts on April 30th. Having run this race several times in the past I can attest to the fact that this is one race you are not going to want to miss.

The West Island 5K is a great race through the beachfront West Island neighborhood of Fairhaven and the race director does an amazing job putting on a top-notch race. If you are looking for a 5K that is fast, flat and family-friendly then the West Island 5K is the one for you! The course features an out and back course that starts with a quick downhill and ends with a challenging uphill to the finish. Plan an escape to southeastern Massachusetts and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic ocean views during the race.

The race features a pasta dinner the night before the run perfect to take in some carbs before race day. The first 600 registrants for the race will receive a technical race shirt. The course really is the highlight to the race with an amazing uphill sprint into the finish line along a road lined with fans cheering on the runners across the finish line.

All proceeds go to the Fairhaven High School Cross Country program and to the non-profit, Strive and Achieve. Strive and Achieve was established in September 2014 to increase the awareness and opportunities for young Americans in the trade skills and they award scholarships to young men and women with that demonstrated interest

You can register for the West Island 5K by clicking here. Please also be sure to check out the race’s Facebook page here.

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