Register Today for Paddy’s Shillelagh Shuffle

On September 10, 2013September 10, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Registration is now open for Paddy’s Shillelagh Shuffle and this is one race you do not want to miss. Paddy’s Road Race is the grand finale of the 2013 New England Runner Pub Series. Held in Newton, Massachusetts this race features a remarkably great course coupled with a pre-race and post-race party that is of the highest caliber.

This is a flat and lightning fast 3 mile course that is certified by USA Track & Field New England. The race begins on Border Street adjacent to Paddy’s Pub. The course loops through West Newton taking a left on Elm, left on Webster, right on Lexington, right on River, right on Elm, right on Webster and a left on Border before finishing back at Paddy’s Pub.

Proceeds from Paddy’s Shillelagh Shuffle support Athletes Unlimited, formerly Newton Special Athletes. This is one of the largest community-based therapeutic recreation programs for people with disabilities in all of New England.

Details on how to register for Paddy’s Shillelagh Shuffle can be found by clicking here. As a past participant of this race I assure you that you will have a great run, a really great time and will support an amazing cause!

CRR Summer Fun Run Series

On May 21, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Thanks to Joe Gillis and his team of volunteers from the Colonial Road Runners for putting on last night’s CRR Summer Fun Run Series in Raynham. The weekly Monday night run is a 3.25 mile course that each week allows runners to race against themselves to see the improvements that can be made over the course of the summer. About 90 runners showed up for last night’s run which is hands down the best bargain around costing only $2 per week which includes the timed race, water, Gatorade and even a beer post-race.

Last night certainly felt like summer was upon us with the temperature in the 70’s and humidity at 90%.

I finished last night’s CRR Summer Fun Run Series with a time of 24:43 or 7:36/mile.

(Photo Credit: Bud Morton, Colonial Road Runners)

Guest post: Upcoming Events from Reno Race Promotion

On May 6, 2013 By MattLeave a comment

A new feature on The Running Griffin, we’ll be including periodic guest posts by Matt Reno from Reno Race Promotion. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, RRP offers a range of promotional services to help races and other athletic events reach a larger audience.

First off, I want to give a huge thanks to Kevin for letting me provide guest posts on The Running Griffin. Running is a sport that can bring together people from absolutely anywhere in the world. I’m glad to have the opportunity to let more runners know about races in the southern part of the country. Though located in Kentucky, RRP can work with race directors anywhere to get more participants at their starting lines. In fact, as a Massachusetts native and former Vermont resident myself, I’m looking forward to helping some New England races gain more participants.

komen2013_rgb — The logo for the Susan G. Komen Lexington Race for the Cure, designed by RRP.

Here are upcoming races RRP is working on right now:

Run for the Nun 5k and 1-mile fun run – June 1 in Lexington, KY
Freedom Fest 10k and relay – June 29 in Winchester, KY
Mud Happens: One Bad Mud Run – August 24 in Bowling Green, KY
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure – October 5 in Lexington, KY

It’s been a lot of fun working with these and other races. In the short time since starting this business, I’ve already learned a lot and met some great people. Best of all, I’ve been able to help more runners find out about races and obstacle course runs in their local areas and support some excellent charities. If you have an event that could use promotion, or if you want to learn more about Reno Race Promotion, please visit the website and send a message. See you out on the course!

Weary Traveler Road Race in Bourne, Massachusetts

On January 7, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Yesterday morning it was down to Bourne, Massachusetts for the Weary Traveler Road Race sponsored by the Cape Cod Road Runners. This race is a nice, old-fashioned organized race down on Cape Cod that is a 4.88 mile run.

Since it is always in the beginning of January, the weather is the wildcard each year but yesterday was a rather nice morning with temperatures in the high 30’s and a touch of snow left along the sides of the road . There was a corner on the course that was a bit slippery and another runner next to me went down pretty hard on the turn but got back up quickly and finished up the run.

The course is a moderately challenging course through the streets of Bourne with some typical Cape Cod rolling hills mixed in. At one point of the race runners hug the shoreline before making a left turn back into residential neighborhoods and hit the water stop about half-way through the race.

The last mile or so of the race is a pretty good incline before hitting a rather fast and flat final stretch into the finish line. Runners are handed Popsicle sticks with their finishing place on them upon crossing the finish line which also double as a raffle ticket in the post-race reception.

The race organizers put on a quahog chowder and clam fritter post-race spread and the bar at the Weary Traveler is open for exceptionally reasonably priced beverages.

Proceeds from the race benefit both the Bourne Conservation Trust and the Shriners Hospital for Children.

I finished the 4.88 mile race with a time of 36:02 which is good for 7:23/miles.