2nd Annual FOP Lodge #28 Frozen Five New Years Day Run

On September 2, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual FOP Lodge #28 Frozen Five New Years Day Run. Last year I was lucky enough to place 2nd in my age division in this race that serves as the ideal way to kick off the New Year on the right foot. You can read the race recap from last year’s run by clicking here.

This 5 mile race takes place throughout a rural, residential course and the race is nicely supported from start to finish. Runners receive a long sleeve tee-shirt and a hot breakfast post-run complete with eggs, sausage, coffee and more.

This race supports the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police and last year’s run included some Massachusetts corrections officers running in the race.

The 2nd Annual FOP Lodge #28 Frozen Five New Years Day Run will kick off from the VFW Hall in Norton, Massachusetts.

To register for the 2nd Annual FOP Lodge #28 Frozen Five New Years Day Run please click here. I look forward to seeing you at the race!

The Jamie Fund 5K

On August 24, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

This morning it was up to Mansfield, Massachusetts for The Jamie Fund 5K. The Jamie Fund Organization believes it is important to educate typically developing children about acceptance of the special needs children in their communities. The star of the day was Jamie, for whom the fund is named, who performed a flawless rendition of the Star Spangled Banner!

The race time temperature at 10AM was absolutely perfect with the sun shining bright and temperatures in the 70s. The race started and finished at a school so there was plenty of parking available and good room for a pre-run warmup. Special thanks to Marathon Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine for a pre-run stretching that certainly was beyond needed.

The course was a great 5K loop that was well staffed by both the Mansfield Police Department and race volunteers. There was a water stop at both Mile 1 and Mile 2 which was a nice bonus as several 5K races only opt for one water stop. The course took runners through residential side streets away from significant amounts of traffic for the most part and the trees along these residential roads provided a nice shade cover to the morning sun.

The final mile of the race was a rather noticeable uphill climb before it flattened out heading back into the finish line.

I finished The Jamie Fund 5K with a great time of 22:51 or 7:21/miles.

If you are looking for a great organization to support, please visit The Jamie Fund’s website by clicking here.

Quincy Animal Hospital Cause for Paws 5k Run

On August 21, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Do dogs chase griffins? If so, this might be a fast race for The Running Griffin!

Join The Running Griffin at the Quincy Animal Hospital Cause for Paws 5K Run and 1 Mile Dog Walk to be held at Squantum Point Park in Quincy, Massachusetts on October 20, 2013. The 5K race starts at 10AM and the 1 mile dog walk begins shortly thereafter at 10:15.

This 5K and 1 mile dog walk will help to raise funds for the Quincy Animal Shelter. This is a professionally timed race and runners can register online by clicking here. Vendors, refreshments, a dog agility course and Police K9 demo are all part of the festivities so this race is one you do not want to miss!

There will be a prize for the best costumed dog in Halloween gear so runners, be creative! Maybe a dog dressed like Usain Bolt or Prefontaine?

Register today for this great race that will support the Quincy Animal Hospital. Runners, get ready to sprint like a greyhound and register today!

(For more information about walker registration, please click here.)

Register Today for Pam’s Run

On August 20, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Join The Running Griffin on October 5th at Pam’s Run in Wayland, Massachusetts. You can register for this race by clicking here.

Pam’s Run is dedicated to the memory and legacy of Pam Manikas Washek, founder of Neighbor Brigade and tireless champion for families in crisis. Walk or run the 3-mile or 5-mile route on Saturday, October 5th, 2013 at 10 am at the Loker School in Wayland, Massachusetts (rain or shine).

Proceeds from Pam’s Run will go to Neighbor Brigade, the organization she founded to provide support to families in crisis. Neighbor Brigade is in 40 communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Learn more about Neighbor Brigade here.

Some highlights of the run include:

– AMP radio (103.3) will be at the event, along with the band the Daddios.

– we will have food and beverage

– kids activities

– cash prizes for top runners and gift cards for top male and female in each age category.

– t-shirts for pre-registered runners

I look forward to seeing you all at Pam’s Run on October 5th in Wayland. Again, please register in advance by clicking here.

Common Fence Point 5 Miler

On August 19, 2013 By The Running Griffin1 Comment

Yesterday it was down to Portsmouth, Rhode Island for the Common Fence Point 5 Miler. This is a race that I have done before and the course is an absolutely great 5 miler through a quaint beach community in Rhode Island. Runners make their way through the winding residential roads with some of the locals out on their front porch or front lawn cheering you along.

With the twists and turns of the course come some nice hills mixed in to keep runners honest along the 5 mile path. The race organizers do a nice job mixing in three water stops along the way and one of the locals cooled runners off with a hose as we ran by. The racing conditions were absolutely perfect with temperatures in the low 80’s, no humidity and a slight breeze from time to time.

Kudos to the Thirsty Irish Runners for having the largest club contingent at the race and showing runners what it means to have fun when running!

This was my best Common Fence Point 5 Miler to date with a time of 38:54, good for 7:47/miles.