The annual Danvers Kiwanis 5 mile Road Race was held on Friday night, and Wicked’s “finest,” accompanied by three-time national champion, Olympic trials runner-up and American Record Holder, Jen Toomey, all stepped up to the awards table to receive either a check, a medal, or both! Jen Toomey finished 4th overall in a time of 28:15, far surpassing the other females (and most of the males, too!). Tim Short finished 6th
overall with a time of 30:09 and Rich Tomlins was 7th with a time of 30:27. Billy Prentiss finished, well, we’re not sure because his time did not show up anywhere. Apparently, as is his custom, he folded up his bib number to the size of a postage stamp. Upon entering the chute, he was asked for the bottom portion, which he was unable to produce since it would have held up all those behind him while he unpinned and unravelled his number. He was told to “Forget it. We’ll take care of it” and proceeded gleefully to the refreshments. When the results were posted, no Billy Prentiss! After much controversy, an intervention by Wendy Burbank, and a resulting time delay in the awards’ ceremony, Billy was provided a check and medal for finishing 1st in his age group. I think he was around 14th overall. Well, the talk at today’s Strawberry Festival was all about Billy and how his simple act of selfishness caused a major snafu in what traditionally has been a very well organized race. Will Billy be allowed to run in it again? That remains to be seen. Tsk. Tsk. Mr. Prentiss.
Well done Wicked Speedsters!!