May 2, 2015
By Linda Desjardins
All winter we waited for the spring day of our imagination: cool, dry, snow banks melted, trees budding, flowers, clear roads, sun, smiling faces and a 5K to run. We got just what we wanted at the NECC Campus Classic this year. The course skirted the back perimeter of the NECC Campus and treated us to some views of Kenoza Lake, headed right to give us a few tenths of Rt. 110, the John Greenleaf Whittier Highway, before it headed back inward to pick up the front part of the campus’ perimeter and scooted us back to our starting point lined by rows of cheering fans. The race has a special vibe because it includes many novices, “couch to 5K” participants whose delight at finishing is just infectious. And their supporters rooted for everyone. We were all conquering heroes on that day.
A number of North Shore Striders were there to represent the club and participate in the second NSS Grand Prix event. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the post-race snacks. Six of the ten Striders were called up to receive medals for their efforts; three were just barely out of medal contention; and Jenny held her own in the most populous division. Here’s the breakdown:
North Shore Striders at Campus Classic 5K
| Overall Place | Age Group | Time | |
| 29th | Lauren Hamilton | 3rd F5059 | 25:28 |
| 30th | Neil Bernstein | 2nd M6069 | 25:58 |
| 35th | Tom McMahon | 3rd M6069 | 26:37 |
| 38th | Michael Pelletier | 1st M70+ | 26:47 |
| 48th | Linda Desjardins | 1st F6069 | 28:21 |
| 70th | Rosie Kyes | 4th F4049 | 30:08 |
| 85th | Mary Stevens | 5th F5059 | 33:18 |
| 90th | Armand Claveau | 4th M70+ | 34:07 |
| 115th | Jenny Reynolds | 11th F3139 | 40:27 |
| 121st | Nancy Wilson | 1st F70+ | 48:40 |
Congrats to all who drove to Haverhill and toed that starting line – and finished the task.
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