A couple of old Course Records

25 years ago yesterday (02-09-1991): On a nice 40 degree day I set the still standing course record at the Fudgecicle 5k race in Tewksbury, MA. My 14:57 took down Buddy Bostick’s CR from the previous year (15:31). I don’t think anyone else has ever gone under Buddy’s time. This series is a classic, according to the Greater Lowell Road Runners “Founded in 1976 after Pat (Fudge) complained to Ben (Fudge) that the ride into Cambridge, MA to organize the Fresh Pond Races was too long, Ben started another series in the town he lived – Tewksbury. The 5K race runs every Saturday morning at 8:00 AM from Tewksbury High School during the months of January and February”. This race is a throw-back to the days when racing was all about the RACE. A $1 entry fee is “suggested” and the GLRR note: “This is a no frills run – no on-line entry, no water stops – just pure runnin’. “

20 years ago today (02-10-1996): Speaking of old course records, 20 years ago today I set the still standing Bradford Valentine’s Day 5 mile CR (24:31).  It was a bit windy that day but the temperature in the 40’s made for a decent (decent for February) day for racing.  CMS teammates Dan Verrington and Gary Gardner (U-Mass Lowell head track coach) joined me at the front.  Dan dropped off near “Ski Bradford” and I managed to drop Gary soon after and went on to a 29 second victory.   Gary took second in 25:00 with Dan third in 25:10.