By Hook or By Crook Sept 15
From Ed Layden: “I again ran the USATF-sponsored By Hook or by Crook 12-K championship race in Sandy Hook. There were national masters teams there from clubs all over New Jersey, and clubs from Boston to Atlanta to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Many had colorful tents and big co-ed squads. I was the only representative from Rose City and Hunterdon Hill Runners clubs, but I wore the colors and socialized a lot. 

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It was a fast, flat course parallel to the beach, and a sunny, breezy day. An out and back course with two water stops, one of which ran out of water, but fortunately I was carrying my special mix. I placed 1st from the NJ clubs, and 2nd in the national competition in my 80-85 age group with a time of 1:07:53 and a PLP of 75.1.

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Unusual about this race was that all the runners sang the National Anthem together (we old guys know the words), and there was a good DJ and dancing after the finish, while we waited for the awards. But no beer! Only the Athletic non-alcoholic stuff. 

It was fun. Hope we can get a team together for next year.”

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Steeplechase 5K & 10K Sept 29
From Kathy Hale: The Steeplechase 10K was a USATF masters (40+) team championship this year. I decided to run the 5K and the 10K to get my long run in for the week. Since this is the Road to Rehoboth, Kris and Dave decided to join the fun and run the double with me. I think we all intended to use the 5K as a warmup, but it didn’t work out that way – we all placed in our age groups for the 5k. Maybe it was because the light mist at the beginning of the race turned into a steady drizzle toward the end.

Carol Angle, Aileen Flanigan, Michael Linn and Brian Angle ran the 10K. Our 40s- and 50s-women’s teams each took 6th in the team competition. Kris took 1st overall woman in the 5K/10K challenge!

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This is another well-organized local race. Consider adding it to your calendar next year.

Annapolis 10-Mile Run August
Kathy Hale: When the race is described as hot, hilly and humid, who signs up for it? Hill Runners, of course! Ed has declared the Annapolis 10-Mile race one of his favorites, and he was determined to place in his new age group this year. He managed to convince several of us to join him. The promise of beer at the finish line and crabcakes for lunch might have factored into our decision. 

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We lucked out and got a beautiful August day – not too hot, a little overcast. There were hills, but also lots of smiles, laughs and fun. Ed placed 1st in his age group! Who’s in for the 50th anniversary race next year?