Register for the Monson Memorial Classic

On October 14, 2014 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

The Running Griffin encourages readers to register for the Monson Memorial Classic. As part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, Monson Memorial Classic donated to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance in memory of our buddy Matt at Matt Reno Logo‘s mom who passed away from ovarian cancer several years ago.

The 19th Annual Monson Memorial Classic is a half-marathon and will be held on Sunday, November 9th. There is also a 5K option held on the same day. The Monson Memorial Classic road race was started in 1996, shortly after the deaths of Kelly Waldron and Kathy Waldron Perry. These sisters died eight months apart from different types of cancer. Kathy suffered with melanoma, and Kelly had breast, bone, and liver cancer. They were wonderful, loving people. This race is in their memory, and past proceeds have gone to American Cancer Association of Western Mass, American Lung Association, Quaboag Valley Hospice, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year they are giving proceeds to Griffin’s Friends and Melanoma Education Foundation.

To register for the Monson Memorial Classic, please click here and be sure to thank them for supporting great causes!

Stowe Trail Race Series

On July 28, 2014 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

On Saturday, July 19th we were able to parlay a weekend getaway in Stowe, Vermont into the ability to finish a trail run while we were visiting the area. The Stowe area is perhaps best known for the winter snow events that take place in the region however the trail run was a great way to highlight the scenic beauty of the region during the summer months, as well.

We headed off to the Nordic Center at Stowe Mountain and took place in one of the Stowe Trail Race Series runs. The race is a full trail run that offers both a 5k and 10k option on some beautiful trails in the woods that in the winter serves as cross country skiing and snowshoe trails. It was great to see how well maintained the trails were for the running series.

Though I traditionally am a pavement runner , hitting the trails was an interesting transition. Needless to say, a city boy hitting the pavement comes with its fair share on dangers inclusive of falling down the trails…twice.

Money from the race series benefits Friends of Stowe Adaptive Sports. Friends of Stowe Adaptive Sports is a Vermont-based non-profit founded in 2012 on the belief that access to sports and recreational programs are a powerful means for people with disabilities to develop independence as well as physical and mental well-being.

The race series has a couple of other races coming up so if you live in or will be visiting the Stowe, Vermont area please be sure to check out their website and join the race today.

First Place Male Finisher at Today’s Huss Dog Jog 5K

On July 12, 2014 By The Running Griffin2 Comments

The Huss Dog Jog 5k took place this morning in Pembroke, Massachusetts and it was an absolutely stellar morning to have a charity 5k. This race does it right and kicks off at 8AM allowing runners to have their 5k completed before some others have even rolled out of bed!

This race is held in memory of Steven Hussey and raises money for the American Stroke Association and a scholarship fund. Hussey’s family does a great job putting on this race and raises funds through the registration fees and great raffle prizes offered post-run.

The race this year switched from a 5 mile run to a 5k race and the new course was great! The race heads away from Pembroke’s school campus location and into the streets of Pembroke. The 5k course has a couple rolling streets with the most gradual hill kicking in around the 2.5 mile mark. The Pembroke Police Department did a nice job patrolling the course and volunteers manned two water stops along the course.

I finished today’s Huss Dog Jog in second place overall and as the first place male finisher! I knew I was running pretty well on the course and felt good along the way and ended up crossing the finish line with a time of 22:30 which was good for 7:14/miles.

Register Today for Pam’s Run

On June 22, 2014 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

The Running Griffin will once again be participating in Pam’s Run which will be held in Wayland, Massachusetts on Saturday, October 18th and I hope to see you there! This run features both a 5K and 10K option and has racers run through a remarkably scenic residential section of Wayland.

Pam’s Run raises funds for The Neighbor Brigade. Neighbor Brigade establishes and mobilizes networks of community-specific volunteers ready to help immediately and effectively when a crisis strikes due to illness, surgery, or tragedy. Services are currently available in 35 communities in eastern Massachusetts.

Pam’s Run is dedicated to the memory and legacy of Pam Manikas Washek, founder of Neighbor Brigade and a tireless champion for families facing sudden crisis. She founded Neighbor Brigade to help those in crisis manage both emergency and routine needs, with services provided by fellow community members.

Last year I ran the 5 mile option at Pam’s Run and the race recap can be found here. To register for this year’s race, please click here.

Register Today for the 4th Annual HussDog Jog

On June 10, 2014June 10, 2014 By The Running Griffin1 Comment

Registration is now open for the 4th Annual HussDog Jog and I hope to see you at the race this year! The HussDog Jog takes place this year on July 12th and has a great early morning start to help runners beat the heat!

Last year I participated in the run and was completely impressed by the organization of the race and look forward to this year’s event. Here is my race recap of last year’s run so you get a feel for what the race entails.

The 4th Annual HussDog Jog will commemorate the passing of Steven R. Hussey by bringing family, friends, and the town of Pembroke together in a celebratory 5k and 2 mile walk! Proceeds to benefit local brain injury and stroke centers. This donation will help keep Steven R. Hussey’s memory alive while helping to support those living around us who are in need!

To register for the 4th Annual HussDog Jog, please click here. I look forward to seeing you at the race!