Reflections and writeup by Linda Desjardins and Mike Pelletier.
On the last day of summer, Gloucester’s Good Harbor Beach played host to the 13th annual Lone Gull 10K. It was a delightful day, the kind we think about in winter when we’re running in so many layers we look like the Michelin Man. The temps dropped overnight so we had a more “forgiving” 65-degree temp to start off in – and by run’s end that had increased to 80! A cooling breeze (which we would label as headwind in winter) made the run out along the beach comfortable. The sky was blue, the ocean too, and all was well. We turned back with about 2.5 miles left. Of course, now we were in tailwind, stronger sun, and higher temps, conditions that would be a treat in winter. But we all kept our focus and finished this very popular USATF race.
We had a strong Strider representation and we all gave it our best. But not until just before 4PM were results posted online. To this writer, that’s inexcusable. Finishing times were posted on the side of a trailer; but, they were just that – finishing times. There were no age group breakdowns or indications of how runners did in their age group. Age group awards were announced and given up to the 60’s; but, then awards were abruptly stopped. We inquired and were told the announcer didn’t have the times and that they had to “get out of there” and were rushed. We were told we’d see results online. REALLY? Two of us were given the race award (a plastic cup holding a few trinkets), even though we told the announcer it wasn’t about the “prize,” it was about the results. Way back 41 years ago when I began running, I was told that runners care predominantly about two things: an accurate course and accurate results. With so many runners paying entry fees, I feel money should have been allocated to computer stations where we could print out our results, as even many much smaller races do. Especially with its prestigious USATF status, Lone Gull could have done much better for its participants.
The Male Grand Veterans Team of Paul Hennessey, David Newhall, Mike Pelletier, and George Geis was 2nd Male Grand Veterans Team at the Lone Gull which pushes the team into 2nd place in the overall Grand Veterans standings.
The Male Veterans Team of Paul Hennessey, David Newhall, Dave Jefska, and Mike Pelletier was 8th Male Veterans Team at the Lone Gull.
The Women Veterans Team of Mariellen Hayward, Linda Desjardins, and Cheryl Welsh was 5th Women Veterans Team.
The Women Seniors Team of Lauren Hamilton, Jennifer O’Neil, Jill Page, Mariellen Hayward, Sally Fowler, Linda Desjardins, and Cheryl Welsh was 8th Women Seniors Team.
In individual USATF/NE competition among Males 75-79, Dave Newhall was 2nd, Mike Pelletier was 3rd, and George Geis was 6th. In the overall individual competition among M75-79, after 6 of the 7 races, Mike Pelletier is 2nd, Dave Newhall is 4th, and George Geis is 5th.
In individual USATF/NE competition among Women 70-74, Linda Desjardins was 3rd, and Anita Robboy was 4th.
In individual USATF/NE competition among Males 70-74, new Strider Paul Hennessey was 9th.
Individual Gun Times (which are used in this USATF/NE event for awards) were as follows:
| Lauren Hamilton | 46:29 |
| Jennifer O’Neil | 52:11 |
| Jill Page | 56:25 |
| Mariellen Hayward | 56:33 |
| Paul Hennessey | 1:00:14 |
| Dave Newhall | 1:01:14 |
| Dave Jefska | 1:02:34 |
| Sally Fowler | 1:04:15 |
| Mike Pelletier | 1:05:08 |
| Linda Desjardins | 1:05:21 |
| Cheryl Welsh | 1:06:05 |
| George Geis | 1:19:58 |
| Anita Robboy | 1:27:22 |
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