The Great Stew Chase 15K

January 29, 2018 – Offered by Linda Desjardins.

January gave us a break for the weekend and brought the temperature up to 49 and provided a cloud cover for the 44th annual running of the Great Stew Chase 15K. Pre-race, the talk was about “THE” hill mid-race. Yup. It earned its billing. But honorable mention needs to be given to the hills at the start, and as it’s an out-and-back course, the hills at the finish. Oh let’s not forget the hills along the way. This is one race where everyone earns their tiredness by race’s end.

Today the North Shore Striders did us proud: nine volunteers and six runners.

Earning kudos for their race direction, parking direction, and general tasks like registration and managing the whole race were handled by our very capable and hospitable teammates. We appreciate the work of Roger Perham, Esther Freedman, Sally Fowler, George Geis, Mike Pelletier, Dave Newhall, Maureen Kelly, Mary Stevens and Mariellen Hayward.

The six Striders who toed the line and their results were:

The six

OA		Place	Age Group	Time
113	Rosie Kyes	4th/13	F4549	1:22:13.9
125	Jennifer O’Neil	2nd/4	F5559	1:23:29.6
140	Gary Freedman	14th/16	M5559	1:23:29.6
154	Cheryl Welsh	3rd/7	F6064	1:33:01
165	Dave Jefska	3rd/6	M6064	1:35:30.4
169	Linda Desjardins	1st	F7099	1:38:17.8

A major shout out to Roger Perham who had this race running like a well-oiled machine. We started on time, the food was hot and ready at the finish, and the awards ceremony was prompt. Many race organizers could take a lesson from Roger! And through it all, Roger answered every question wearing a warm smile.