| Despite the inclement weather, the CMS
Weekly 5K had a record number of starters. 736 runners toed
the starting line, stretching all the way across Chandler Street and
leading to a huge bottleneck at the first 90 degree right-hand
turn. And that is where the first problem occurred. The
runners hit the turn at the same time as a huge gust of wind,
blowing snow all around, blinding runners, pedestrians, drivers,
students, dogs, and volunteers.
Several hundred runners missed the turn completely, heading off toward Route 290. About fifty showed up at the Worcester Centrum and decided to get tickets for the Outdoors Show. A smaller group of about 25 headed all the way down Route 9, only realizing their mistake when they reached Spag's, where they decided to take advantage of the discounts on those handy plastic containers. As the race progressed, more and more runners wandered off course in the blinding conditions. Several showed up at UMass Amherst, and decided to take in a basketball game, then changed their minds when they realized U Mass is no longer led by Coach Cal. Almost 100 made it all the way to Mt. Wachusett, where they took advantage of the freshly fallen snow to get in a few runs down the slope. Hope waned as emergency calls went out to the Worcester Police, State Police, Neighborhood Watch, Coast Guard, Stirling Air National Guard, and Ski Patrol. But then, through another blustering, gusting wall of snow came the leader, David Krom. David toured the course in a very nice 21:23. Or, at least, we think he completed the whole course. We're not sure because he arrived in a small tornado, upside down, traveling from the North (the race ends heading East), landing in a heap at the finish line. Next to emerge, looking tanned and calm, was Joanne Lachappelle. Joanne, in an interview taped for ESPN-III, commented that her experience as the CMS President prepared her for the turbulent conditions. "This was a piece of cake", commented Ms. Lachappelle. The only other runner to make it safely back to the finish line was Dale Ames, first Senior (50s) and second male overall. Dale actually traveled 74 miles, being picked up by several huge gusts of snowy wind, blown to Westboro, Fitchburg, and then deposited back at the finish line. Dale's time for 74 miles was a major world record, but since it was wind-aided, it didn't count. Volunteer Peter Cotter was the only smart one in the bunch. Peter liked Worcester State so much that he stayed the entire week at the College gym. Joe Alfano lost the CMS finish boards in a major wind blast, but fortunately was able to memorize the name and time of each and every finisher. Amazing! |
 Despite the sub-freezing temperatures, Joanne Lachappelle skipped the longjohns during her 5K. |
