Van Cott Over Waldron at Bill's 5K

Needham coach Chris Van Cott placed second overall at the "Bill's 5K" Road Race in Newton on Sunday, running 16:59. More importantly, he avoided what would have been the abject humiliation of losing to ex-Newton coach and quinquagenarian, Jon Waldron, who, despite his advanced age and obvious senility, rallied to finish third in 17:19.

1   SEAN PONT           23 M   M2029 CAMBRIDGE       MA   16:50  5:25 
2   CHRIS VAN COTT      28 M   M2029 BRIGHTON        MA   16:59  5:28 
3   JON WALDRON         50 M   M5059 NEWTON          MA   17:19  5:35 

Waldron, who has a known fondness for referring to himself in the third person, was never a serious threat to CvC. The Needham coach opened up most of his 20-second advantage in the first mile and maintained it throughout as other runners fell off the pace.


Chris Van Cott seems to be asking the camera "Why am I behind a guy with baggy shorts and a backwards cap?" Waldron lurks about 10s back. Photo: Ted Tyler


Van Cott is now 2-for-2 against Waldron at Bill's, as the two went 1-2 in 2006:

1   CHRIS VAN COTT      26   M2029 SOMERVILLE     MA   16:25  5:18 
2   JON WALDRON         48   M4049 NEWTON         MA   16:55  5:28

However, it appears that Van Cott's advantage is shrinking and that his performance is declining rapidly as he approaches 30. Projecting this trend, we can estimate that the two will finish tied for 4th in 2012 with a time of 18:07. After that, Waldron will pull away.

On another note, it was good to see Newton South English teacher and tennis coach Bob Jampol (Noah's dad), who completed the race in 24:59. It was also good to see Jim Blackburn, who stopped by to say hi after noticing the race while out for his daily six-mile run. One feels that he will outlive us all.