January, we began our winter goal of dominating the New England snowshoe circuit, which is put on by the Western Mass. Athletic Club. Team members attended 4 of the 5 circuit races with victories at Woodford (VT), South Pond (MA), Greylock (MA), and a runner-up at Curley’s (MA). In addition Richard Bolt won the Global Snowshoe challenge (NY) and qualified to compete in the United States Snowshoe Association (USSSA) National championships. The strongest showing was at the series kickoff race (Woodford) where seven team members competed and CMS took 5 of the top ten spots. In addition to regional competition, Dave Dunham traveled to Italy as a member of the US Snowshoe team. Dave earned the trip by virtue of his silver medal in the 2002 National championship. The trip was something of a bust however as the race was changed to a road race due to a lack of snow. 

In February CMS continued to dominate snowshoe racing, competing at 4 of the 4 circuit races. In addition to the circuit races, CMS runners took the top 3 positions at the 1st Annual Hyland Orchard 5k, which was directed by Gary Bridgman. The race met with so much success that WMAC requested it to be part of the circuit in 2004. Team members took victories in Northfield (MA), Saratoga Springs (NY), Wilton (NY) and at Hawley Kiln (MA). The leading team performance was the Northfield race where CMS placed 6 in the top 16. Seven MORT runners took on the 7.25k race, which was directed by MORT captain Dave Dunham. Northfield also saw the most runners go off course in any race this year. The 300 flags did not keep all from wandering including race leader Richard Bolt, who went off in the last ½ mile and the victory went to Paul Low. All seven CMS runners earned the right to compete in the USSSA nationals based on placing at Northfield, which served as a regional qualifier. 

March saw the ending of the Snowshoe racing season and the beginning of the USATF Grand prix. The final race of the snowshoe season had Bolt taking 2nd at Moody Springs (MA) with Dunham 3rd and Steve Peterson setting a course record in his victory on the short course. The team traveled to Salt Lake city for the USSSA Nationals, which were held at Solitude ski area. The altitude was over 8,000’, which may have been a bit much for the sea level trained New Englanders. Dunham finished just out of the medals in 4th overall and Dan Verrington was crowned 40+ National Champion. CMS placed 4 athletes in the top 12. The USATF Grand prix opened up at Wakefield (MA) with the ½ marathon. MORT had 6 runners compete and took third in the team competition. The final race of the month saw the men of Polar race at the Gilmanton 5k which is directed by MORT team member Scott Clark. Kevin Beck, Fergus Cullen, and Rod Viens swept the top three. 

There were no team races scheduled in April although some MORT runners took part in the very warm Boston Marathon.

 In May the team had 4 races scheduled, a trail race, two mountain races and a road 5k. It certainly made for an odd mix of races and showed that MORT can compete in many disciplines. Paul Low won the Merrimack River trail race, which will be bidding to be the first ever, USATF National trail championship in 2004. Team member Steve Peterson directs the race. The Exeter PTO 5k was chosen as a chance to support an excellent local race and get some leg speed after the relatively slower snowshoe racing. Al Bernier lead the charge in 2nd place with Bolt and Dunham taking 3rd and 6th. The USATF New England mountain circuit kicked off its 8th year at Wachusett Mountain (MA). The circuit was founded by Dunham in 1996 and is now in the able hands of Richard Bolt. The Wachusett race is run by the general membership of CMS. This would be the MORT performance of the month with Low winning and Eric Morse close behind. MORT placed 6 in the top15. Mt Kearsarge (NH) was the second race in the 5-race circuit; it posed a special challenge this year as it came the day before the third race (Pack Monadnock). Morse won the race with Bolt 2nd and Dunham 4th. Eric, Rich and Dave also took on Prospect Mountain (NY) in mid-May and took the top three positions. 

June was a big month for the team with six races scheduled. The first race was Pack Monadnock where Rodney Viens took the victory. CMSers took 3rd through 5th. The 1st Annual Northfield Mountain race was held on June 7th. Northfield hosted the USATF New England Mountain running championships and the race also served as a qualifier to the Teva USA Mountain running team. Seven MORT members toed the line including race director Dave Dunham. This time no one went off course as Paul Low scored a New England champion medal and a spot on the National team. Morse took second and Verrington was third. MORT ran as three split squads and took 1st/2nd /3rd in the team competition. The following day Verrington and Bernier took part in the USATF NE 5k; the race was not well attended by MORT as the team had aimed towards the mountain championships. Seven team members took on the “one hill” of Mt Washington on a warm and calm day. Views from the summit were more than 80 miles. The team won its 12th consecutive title lead by Dunham and Bolt in 3rd and 4th place. Mt Ascutney (VT) was the sight of the final circuit race. Bolt, Dunham, and Morse earned “mountain goat” status by competing in 4 of the 5 races. Morse won the series with the most points in the best 4 out of 5 format, with Bolt 2nd and Dunham 3rd. Dave and Rich also earned the “super-goat” status by competing in all five of the races. The team closed out the year by competing in the USATF 20k championship (NH), which was held the day after Ascutney. The team place 4th with Verrington leading the way with a third place overall finish, 2nd in the Masters. Bernier, Bolt and Dunham also scored. 8 Mile 

Looking ahead: The Team will compete in the remaining USATF New England races which are Stowe VT 8m in July, Shelburn Falls MA 10k, Attleboro MA 5m October, and Falmouth MA Marathon in October. Other events that will be focused on include the USATF National mountain championships in Vail CO next weekend, some of the National Ultra championships, and the final mountain qualifier race in Alaska in August.