Race Recap: Winter Lights 5K

On December 7, 2025 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Last night we made our way to Pembroke, Massachusetts for the 14th Annual Winter Lights 5K. This is the first year we have done the race since it moved to Pembroke from Plymouth so we were excited to check out a new course and tackle the race that kicks off at 6:30 PM and features runners wearing festive holiday gear and lights for the holiday season 5K.

Certainly not a knock against the race or the organizers but the Plymouth location was just so much better for the run. The atmosphere in downtown Plymouth for years had a different vibe to it as the downtown streets were closed off for the run, a small parade, Christmas tree lighting and more. The local stores and restaurants were packed with people and there were multiples the amount of runners as there were in Pembroke last night. That said, the Pembroke race provided a good course and runners all having a good time while out on the course.

The weather was interesting as there was a brief bit of rain earlier in the late afternoon and moisture in the air made for some tricky icy spots on the course that runners called out while traveling the route. Sidewalks and road shoulders were the iciest spots but there was a good amount of black ice along the way that you needed to be careful on while running to ensure you didn’t end up slipping on but runners took care of each other and called out icier spots as they noticed them.

The course for the Winter Lights 5K in Pembroke was a good one and the roads were nicely patrolled and controlled by the Pembroke Police Department ensuring runners had a good experience while out on the streets. There was a really steep hill in the back half of the race that made for some challenging climbing and a few rollers here and there were sprinkled in for good measure. Many residents along the route were out cheering the illuminated runners on, some adorning their own holiday gear; others with fire pits, food, drink and merriment out at the end of the driveway. For those Grinches who lived along the race route and didn’t come outside to cheer runners along, you missed a good opportunity for some holiday cheer and “Bah Humbug” I say to you.

Mrs. Running Griffin and I ran the Winter Lights 5K together and clocked in a time of 31:16, good for 10:03/miles. With some ice and hills, not a bad time at all for us running together along the way.

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 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!

5th Overall at the Huss Dog Jog 5 Miler Today!

On July 13, 2013 By The Running Griffin4 Comments

This morning it was down to Pembroke, Massachusetts for the Huss Dog Jog 5 Miler. This race is held in memory of Steven Hussey and raises money for the American Stroke Association and a scholarship fund.

The race started and finished at the Pembroke High School and part of the course was through a street on the grounds of the school aptly named Learning Lane. After a quick loop through the school’s grounds for the first mile of the race it was then off into the streets of Pembroke for the next 3 miles. Feeling pretty good through 2 miles, I was in third place and running pretty strong. Race time temperatures were warm but not too hot however the humidity certainly crept in along the course in a big way. Thankfully the race started at 8:45 AM or this could have been really tough.

The running through the residential streets of Pembroke was rather tough as there were a good amount of rolling uphills along the way. That said, one would have expected to see some downhill rollers but they seemed few and far between. A really nice climb around 3.5 required you to kick the legs into high gear and with head down looking at the pavement I made my way up the hill pretty strong. The mile 4 marker was back on the school grounds where runners were met by those taking part in the 2 mile walk. The last mile was a loop back down the same loop the race started off on before doubling back toward the finish line.

Kudos to the race organizers who put on a nice race with raffle prizes, post-race snacks and a DJ keeping the mood light. The Pembroke Police Department also did a really nice job supporting along the course with traffic detail ensuring the runners were able to run without much disruption while out on the road.

I finished the Huss Dog Jog 5 Miler with an overall finish of 5th place and a time of 39:29 which was good for 7:54/miles. Always gotta love a Top 5 finish!

Register Today for the HussDog Jog

On June 18, 2013July 6, 2013 By The Running Griffin1 Comment

Join The Running Griffin at the HussDog Jog to be held on Saturday, July 13th at Pembroke High School in Pembroke, Massachusetts.

You can participate in either a 5 mile run or 2 mile walk/fun run!! Also available will be some music and fun! After the race there will be food, raffles and prizes for the winners. T-shirts will be given to the first 250 registered. This year a majority of the proceeds will benefit the American Stroke Association. A small portion of the proceeds will be put towards the creation of a nonprofit to help fund future scholarships and events to benefit stroke victims and families. Please help us keep Steven Hussey’s love for life and laughter alive, while helping to aid stroke victims and families who are in need. Donations are also welcome.

The 5 mile race will be officially chip timed. Please register for the race by clicking here and I look forward to seeing you at the HussDog Jog!