This morning it was off to West Roxbury, Massachusetts for Walter’s Run 5K. Sponsored by the Parkway Running Club, Walter’s Run was the final Grand Prix race for the Thirsty Irish Runners. Race time temperature was actually pretty nice out so shorts, a short sleeve tee-shirt and running gloves were in line for the race.

Walter’s Run is a rather challenging 5K course that runs through mainly residential neighborhoods of West Roxbury. There is a gradual incline at the beginning of the race and then mile 2 to 2.5 is pretty much an uphill climb which leads to a really nice. fast downhill finish. Coming into the finish line you can actually pick up some pretty good speed letting the legs go.

The Parkway Running Club does a really nice job with this race both in terms of course support, race amenities and raffles. Runners that pre-register for the race also receive a good pair of commemorative running gloves.

Today was another good racing day and I finished Walter’s Run with a time of 22:46 or 7:20/miles. Last year I finished the race exactly a minute slower for a time of 23:46 or 7:40/miles. It always feels good to take some time off!

Santa Claus is coming to town! Or perhaps close to 2000 Santa Claus are coming to town!

Yesterday Mr. and Mrs. Running Griffin transformed into Mr. and Mrs. Claus in New Bedford, Massachusetts for the 2nd Annual Santa Run. Participants in this 5K race are each given a Santa suit, beard and hat to run in and the race is far more about having some holiday cheer more than it is about landing a PR. The close to 2000 runners headed through the streets of New Bedford and the sea of red and white was cheered along the course by smiling children and adults alike. Though each runner has a number, the 5K is not a timed race but still has all of the running treats like some pretty tough hills, a water stop half-way through and a rather scenic stretch of the course which winds through the older downtown area of New Bedford along cobblestone streets and all.

Mrs. Claus and I ran together for the race and she could tell quickly that I was in my glory as I was dropping Santa jokes to spectators, throwing in a hearty “Ho Ho Ho” from time to time and advising those along the course that they were either on the good list or naughty list. The race was a blast!

What was pretty cool about this race is that the theme of the run really brought out some first time runners since it was a non-competitive race. As a runner, I am always encouraged to see people out there running a race for the first time and hope that those that participated in yesterday’s Santa Run hit the pavement again soon.

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This morning it was off to Mansfield, Massachusetts for the Marathon Sports Frosty 5k. The race started at the Holiday Inn in Mansfield and ran through the roads of an industrial park. Though called the Frost Five, the weather was actually pretty nice with race temperature at 40 degrees so a running coat with hat and gloves and shorts did the trick.

The course was, for the most part, pancake flat and ran through Cabot Industrial Park. There were a couple of barely noticeable inclines and declines but nothing too challenging. Building up speed on the course was rather simple. Water was available twice on the course and there was a good post-race spread of water, coffee, pastries and candy canes. What made this race a real bargain was that in addition to the tech running shirt registrants received, each race participant also received a $25 gift certificate to Marathon Sports.

Perhaps it was the flat course or perhaps it was just a great running day but I finished the race with a time of 22:23 good for 7:15/miles. Let’s hope there are some more of those in the near future!

The Talking Turkey 6 Mile Cross Country Race in Holyoke, Massachusetts is an annual favorite for me and has quickly grown into one of the premier races in the region. Some might say I am biased due to being born and raised in Holyoke, but when standing around post-race you hear others mention that “This is one of my top five favorite races” perhaps I am not alone in that assessment.

The Talking Turkey takes place within the grounds of the absolutely beautiful Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke and has a great post-race reception at the Holyoke Lodge of Elks. The course is a cross-country style race where runners race across the dirt loop that circles the water within the reservoir. For yesterday’s race it was cool and a bit breezy and flurries actually were in the air at race time.

The race itself is predominantly flat with just a couple of quick inclines throughout the main loop of the course and then a rather gradual incline leading into the finish line. The finish line is packed with spectators cheering you in as is just before mile 3 where spectators line both sides of a foot bridge that leads across the water. There is a water stop at about 3.5 miles into the race. Though cool and breezy, the course was in excellent condition along the race and made for a good overall racing day.

Post-race food includes some rather amazing clam chowder, ziti, rolls and cookies. Inside, plenty of reasonably priced beers were available inside the Elks for those wishing to enjoy.

I finished the 34th Talking Turkey 6 Mile Cross Country Race with a time of 47:36 good for 7:56/miles. I encourage everyone to mark the calendars with a reminder for next year to sign up for this race!