Yes, Mr. Mayor, I have heard about the Boston Athletic Association and the marathon footrace they have been putting on -- quaintly -- on Patriots Day Monday most every year since 1897.
And yes, I have heard that this same venerable organization organizes a half-marathon in early October, and that it is so popular that entries close within 24 hours of registration opening.
Meaning no disrespect to these races, I urge you not to overlook the third jewel in BAA's crown, your own Mayor's Cup, a unique annual celebration of youth, recreational, club, and professional cross-country racing held in the heart of the city. Other cities put on big marathons -- it's big business and good for tourism -- but what other city has something like the Mayor's Cup?
Yesterday, Franklin Park was a ablaze with fall color, as local boy Sean Quigley, a former state champion from Archbishop Williams H.S. in Braintree, won the closest finish in the 20-year history of the Men's 8k race, taking the lead for the first time in the final strides of the race and outleaning last year's winner Jacob Korir.
It was eerily familiar, as I can remember Quigley running neck-and-neck in the final strides with Andy Pitts in the 2002 state championships.
Two other local guys finished in the top ten: Doherty H.S. and Boston College alum Tim Ritchie ran 24:02 for 4th, and O'Bryant and UMass Lowell grad Ruben Sanca ran 24:23 for 7th. Amazing to see former Footlocker champ and Wisconsin product Matt Withrow jogging around after his 9th place finish.
Local club New Balance Boston won both the men's (8K) and women's (5K) team titles.
In the Franklin Park 5K, I scoured the results for NNHS alumni and found one: Charlie Krasnow, NNHS '07, ran 18:17. Arlington's Antony Taylor, a contender for the Mass H.S. state championship, won the race in 16:04.
After the races, I ran into dozens of people I knew, including Brookline Coach Mike Glennon who was there with a volunteer crew.
Complete results of all the races can be found on Cool Running.
Video highlights on YouTube at the links below:
Men's 8K
Women's 5K
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3 comments:
Ritchie is actually a graduate of Boston College, not UMass.
Wow, recognition in the blog. Certainly won't get there in your weekly results roundup.
Great run for BHS alum Ryan Hardiman in his first 8K 26:37 for 45th.
Thanks for the correction on Ritchie! I've made the change.
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