Wicked Running Club

Liz Touchette (1st), Deb Touchette (2nd), Tim Short (1st), James DeLuca (2nd)

front:  John McDonough, Melissa Jaynes, Beth O’Grady, Tim Short

back:  Steve, Liz, Deb Touchette, Billy Shea, James DeLuca, Doug Bollen

Under sparkling sunny skies with cool autumn temperatures, Wicked runners pioneered a new race, the EBSB Challenge in Peabody Sunday morning, sponsored by the East Boston Savings Bank.  A combination 5K and 10K+ (it actually measured out at 6.78 miles), Doug Bollen, 50,  tackled the 5K, finishing 1st in his newly achieved age bracket.  It was disappointing that he did not get the recognition (a trophy) he deserved because this race chose to categorize the age group at 40-99! BULLETIN! BULLETIN!  DOUG DID INDEED GET A TROPHY FOR SECOND PLACE MALE IN HIS AGE GROUP.  THIS IS DOUG’S FIRST EVER TROPHY. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Doug also won a $20 gift card to Starbucks. (Eat your heart out, Chip!) The remaining Wicked runners ran the longer distance, learning early on in the run that the claim of a flat course was a bit exaggerated.  Still, it was a near perfect day to run, and Wicked, indeed, ran well.  Congratulations to Tim Short and new member James DeLuca who finished 3rd and 4th overall while also achieving honors in their age group.  No slouches to award ceremonies, Liz and Deb Touchette also picked up awards in their age categories. Deb also won a neat prize in the raffle–an Ipod Nano!!! This after winning $50 in a race last week!  She’s a lucky lady.  And, like Doug in the 5K, the “older” runners in the 10K+ were also placed in a category from 40-99.  Among the 50 yr. olds, “yours truly” placed 1st followed one second later by Steve Touchette, finishing 2nd.  It was great running with Steve again; it’s been a long time since we maintained the same pace (Steve is usually faster!).  Steve also likes to see his name in print here, and that is why I’m mentioning him so many times.  And since I very unsportsmanlike passed him as we approached the chute, I’m feeling a little guilty (but not that much!)  And how about that Beth O’Grady who continues to have her best running year ever.  Once again Beth achieved a PR, this time for the 10K range. The award for “sticking with each other” providing mutual support and finishing in tandem goes to Melissa Jaynes and John McDonough.

This was a well run race that I predict will grow in popularity in the coming years.  One nice feature of the small field of runners was the “individual attention” we got on the roads.  Numerous Peabody police were out there on motorcylces escorting us, making each of us feel what it must be like to be the lead runner in a race (Well, I know Tim knows the feeling, but for the rest of us…..) And the long sleeve autumn colored cotton t-shirts seemed to get the “thumbs up” approval from all the fashion critics.  Speaking of “thumbs up,” all you Wicked runners need to study carefully Tim’s hand in the picture aobve.  Start practicing; it’s the new Wicked hand gesture signifying our solidarity as members of that super great Wicked group called the Wicked Running Club.  A shout out to supporters Nicole Bevington and Dan Chick who provided Wicked support and photographic assistance during the race.  For results check out EBSB Challenge.