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Herr Takes Oak Park Finale as McGrath, Lakin Claim First-Ever Sizzler
Crowns In perfect poetic justice, the natural elements were the primary factor in seeing that the ‘sizzler’ series lived up to its thermal moniker. The 2006 Summer Sizzler World Tour capped its tenth season at Oak Park in Greenfield Wednesday evening under sweltering conditions, as temperatures soared to record highs across the region. ”Customer Appreciation Night” was the year’s final theme, as twenty –three runners were rewarded for merely surviving the climactic nuclear blast with hand-picked blueberries, hot dogs on the grill, and our yearly novelty item distributed at the finish line. Sunglasses, available in five different neon colors, were the big-ticket item. Another newcomer entered the winner’s circle as we bid adieu to yet another successful campaign. Once again, it was a man with lofty credentials. Canaan, Vermont’s Dave Herr, who was visiting relatives in Stoddard, did a perfect imitation of Frosty The Snowman as he ignored the horrendous humidity and cruised to a 21:26 victory over the circuitous four mile course. Ripping a sub 5:30 pace in sauna-like humidity was a remarkable accomplishment. Cool as a cucumber. Herr is a seasoned athlete who has won over a dozen marathons (perhaps as many as 20) and countless foot races. He was the first American master (and fourth master overall) to cross the line at this year’s Boston Marathon. Herr is a two-time champ of Keene’s Clarence DeMar Marathon, three-time titleist of The New Hampshire Marathon at Newfound Lake, and too many others to mention here. He may well have captured more laurel wreaths at 26.2 miles than any other New Englander over the past decade. That is a safe bet. At age 41,Dave recently set a personal record by eclipsing the 2:30 barrier at Maine’s Sugarloaf Marathon in May, clocking a 2:29. This places him among the elite in the nation. Meanwhile, Francestown’s Nick Jenkins recorded a second place finish with his 21:58, followed by Stoddard’s Steve Palmer in 22:25. Palmer is a regional class master runner in his own right. He has won many Sizzlers over the years, dating back to the race’s inception in 1997.He and Greenfield’s Dan Walsh are the only competitors to have run at least one Sizzler in each of its ten seasons. For the ladies, Two-time overall series victor Sasha Varanka, Amherst, grabbed top honors in 28:52, well ahead of Rachel Lakin, Munsonville, at 34:07, and Peterborough’s Libby Twitchell, who chimed in with her 35:12. Troy French of Antrim and Francestown’s Nick Jenkins were honored for completing all ten races. They were the only ones to do so. To mark the occasion, they got a one minute head start on the rest of the field, prompting Rindge’s 62 year-old George Vagalebre to protest: ”There really IS no justice!” at the beginning of the contest. Troy and Nick also picked first from the prize table and each had a couple trivia questions in which they were the subjects. We are nothing if not corny in Sizzlerville. In the fun run, Peterborough’s Stephen Twitchell galloped around the horse track in fine fashion, snagging the blue ribbon. Runner-up was Calvin Palmer, Steve’s boy, while Zack Davis brought up the rear. We had a veritable buffet after the laufers caught their breath. Wieners, blueberries, watermelon, cookies, oranges, ice cold soda and water, cole slaw and potato salad were all enjoyed by the troops. All for five dollars! Plus the sunglasses, which featured Sizzler lettering on the temple lens. The gang seemed to like them. They do the job and you can look real cool on a hot day like we have had. You can pay more elsewhere, and the lemmings do, but we pride ourselves on quality, sportmanship, economy, camaraderie and humor. It is the Sizzler mission to retain old school values, securing and maintaining the sport’s rich heritage, while not getting caught up and swept away in modernism. No shirts, no high fees, no chip timing, no electronic clock. None of that. We want to commit to memory that the pure pastime we savor is of, by and for the runners first. We were blessed with a fine group this year. From the kids to the very seasoned, we witnessed fine athletes and finer folks. They are invited to join us next week. Series winners for the year are Scott McGrath of Francestown, who pulled away from the field, and Rachel Lakin, Munsonville.It is the first championship for either. They, along with any runner who participated in at least four races this year, will be honored at the Awards Night next Wednesday August 9th, back here at Oak Park.An informal run at 6pm will be followed by pizza and various libations, with the ceremony scheduled for about 7:15 EDT. A huge thank you to Hunt Dowse, who served as our Frankfurter Chef and who also brought the gas grill to make it possible. Also merci to Molly Anfuso, Greenfield Rec. Dept. Director, whose yeoman work in a number of capacities was deeply appreciated. She assisted in registration, slicing up fruit, aided in clean up and other duties. The Oak Park venue was a new one for Sizzler Nation this year. It proved to be the most popular one, too, as runners voted it the spot at which they would like to have the awards function held next week. Nubanusit Lake was the other locale which was birthed his year as a site for the Sizzlers. The oldest, of course, is the Depot, but it is also the buggiest, and athletes get eaten alive there. It is why we have “Race For The Black Fly Pie” there and nowhere else. It just fits. The aerial pests feel most welcome, too. A tip of the hat to Lisa Ramey, who aided at the finish line recording times. She is a faithful volunteer and is what all doctors and human beings should aspire to be. Can any less be said of Bob Fogg, who has been with us for ten years and whose rapport with children is without equal. It is difficult to pen an appropriate expression of gratitude for his toils and labors of love for this past decade. Bob had a birthday earlier this week. Citizens of Sizzler Nation serenaded him with the old refrain. We wish him many more and value him and his contributions greatly. By all accounts the 110th race was yet another success. We have now tied the Boston Marathon.Yes, it’s true. Both the Summer Sizzlers and the (almost) equally prestigious BAA 26.2 fun run they hold every April are embraced in a deadlock. They began their thing a century earlier than we did here in the Granite State At one point, they held a 100 to nothing lead over us. But when Wednesday’s scorching race concluded at Oak Park –as Art McGrath tumbled across the line, crashing through orange cones and wiping out anyone in his path – Sizzler nation rejoiced as we pulled even. They blew their lead. Next April the BAA will briefly gain a one-race advantage. But when Sizzler World Tour 2007 kicks off its 11th edition, we will run off ten in a row, forever placing the Hopkinton to Boston parade in the rear view mirror. Persistence pays. See you in late May, with a few changes in store just to keep it crisp and interesting. Call 525-9357 or email sizzlermania@hotmail.com for more information on how you and your family can become card-carrying citizens of Sizzler Nation. |
Sunday, January 07, 2007 02:04 PM