Register for Trav’s Trail Run

On April 14, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Registration is now open for Trav’s Trail Run which will be held on May 17, 2015 in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

All race profits from this race will help fund scholarships for scholar/athletes at: Newburyport High School, Green Mountain Running Camp, RRCA Road Scholars and Zap Fitness. This race is dedicated to Travis Landreth, (May 24, 1976 – January 12, 2001) who was a Newburyport native and 1994 Newburyport High School graduate and runner.

The race is a three mile cross country race in Maudslay State Park and the fact that the race supports young runners help realize their dreams is a cause all runners can get behind and support.

The race has great trail mugs that are awarded to age division winners and features a huge post-race raffle for all runners.

To register for the race, please click here to register online. You can also “Like” the race on Facebook by clicking here.

35th Annual Frank Nealon Boston Tune-Up 15K

On April 5, 2015April 5, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Yesterday morning it was off to Upton, Massachusetts for the 35th Annual Frank Nealon Boston Tune-up 15K. This race is organized by the Tri-Valley Front Runners and is one of the few wheel-measured 15Ks available in the Greater Boston area leading up to the Boston Marathon. The race takes place on a very scenic and quite rolling, hilly course that is well marked and all on the pavement. The course support is great with miles marked and water stops along the way.

Runners get a commemorative soup mug instead of the usual tee-shirt and post-race there is a healthy spread of different soups and snacks available. The soup inside the school ran out quite fast this year and it seemed as though the amount of crock pots they had with different kinds of soups was far less than last year.

The race day temperatures were in the 40’s and the sun broke through just in time for the race to kickoff. The running conditions could not have been better and the day made for a great day of running.

Last year I had a nice run at this race and finished with a time of 1:18:53 for the 9.3 mile race so I was glad to see I beat last year’s time with a finish time of 1:17:30, shaving more than a minute off my time and running a pace of 8:10/miles which for this distance and hilly course I am quite pleased with. Next season, if you are looking for a course that is a good Boston Marathon warmup race or if you just want to push yourself up and down some good hills, be sure to keep an eye out for registration for the 36th Annual Frank Nealon Boston Tune-Up 15K.

Race Recap: Seagull Six

On March 29, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

This morning it was down to Cape Cod’s Wood’s Hole section of Falmouth for the Seagull Six Road Race. This race is put on by the Falmouth Track Club and is usually a huge showing for my running club as it tends to be one of our Grand Prix races. The course is a brutally hilly course with the entire first two miles consisting of a climb that is not for the faint of heart followed by a slight downhill and then some monster rolling hills. Even as you pass the Mile 5 sign you realize that you have just shy of 3/4 of a mile left to go (the race is 5.74 miles) but you know the climbing still is not done.

When arriving in Falmouth it was noticeably a couple degrees chillier than back home but the sun was shining bright and after the winter we have had here in New England running outside is an absolute joy right about now. I felt pretty strong for most of the race and the hills didn’t seem to bother me too much this weekend; perhaps coming off of a half-marathon and Holyoke’s St. Patrick’s Road Race‘s hilly course was a good thing.

Though I have run a better Seagull Six in the past, today’s race I can’t be too upset with as I ran strong and had a good time out on the course. I finished today’s Seagull Six with a time of 46:36, good for 8:07/miles.

Registration Now Open for the Keep Springfield Beautiful 10K

On March 27, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Registration is now open for the Keep Springfield Beautiful 10K! The race takes place on Mother’s Day in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts and supports the efforts of Keep Springfield Beautiful which is a non-profit organization that promotes litter and graffiti prevention, recycling, conservation and beautification of Springfield.

The 10K run starts and ends at the south parking lot of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Shortly after the start there is a gradual uphill, then past the Olmsted designed Forest Park. There is a slight downhill / uphill past the 19th century industrial mill at Watershops Pond. Turn left at historic Springfield Armory and proceed downhill at 9K past the Federal Courthouse.

There is also a 3K walk for those who are interested in supporting the event but would prefer to walk rather than run. The walk leaves from the Hall of Fame and proceeds on the RailTrail along the Connecticut River.

To register for the Keep Springfield Beautiful 10K, please click here. You can also learn more about Keep Springfield Beautiful on their Facebook page by clicking here.

Register for the West Island 5K

On March 24, 2015March 24, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Registration is now open for the West Island 5K. I competed in this race back in 2013 and I am glad to see that this race continues on strongly. The race is a great race in the absolutely beautiful West Island section of Fairhaven and this race is one that you will definitely want to add to your racing calendar. Please click here to register today.

If you are looking for a 5K that is fast, flat, and family-friendly then the West Island 5K is the one for you! The course features an out and back course that starts with a quick downhill and ends with a challenging uphill to the finish. Plan an escape to southeastern Massachusetts and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic ocean views during the race. Join other runners on Sunday, April 26 in Fairhaven for the 3rd Annual West Island 5K Run/Walk & Kids Mile Fun Run. Here are some great reasons to sign up:

· Gorgeous course with ocean views along the shores of southeastern Massachusetts

· Support worthy causes: the Fairhaven High School Cross Country program and the non-profit, Strive and Achieve (www.striveandachieve.org)

· USA Track & Field Certified (MA13007JK)

· Chip timed by RaceWire

· Tech shirts for the first 600 5K runners/walkers

· Prize money for the top 3 overall men/women finishers and course records and medals for the top 3 age group finishers

· Tons of post-race raffle prizes

· It’s a great way to kick-start your Spring!

Whether you’re a 5K novice or a veteran, this event is for anyone looking for a fun time. To learn more about the race and sign-up, go to www.westisland5k.org.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact the Race Director, Lyle Drew at westisland5k@yahoo.com or 571-765-0910. You can also “Like” the race on Facebook by clicking here.