Westerly, RI
April 17, 2016
After a one-week delay due to a previously unknown conflict with a biking race in Misquamicut, we were ready to host the 35th annual Clamdigger races. Unfortunately, we lost a few members and participants with the date change combined with the fact we were now into school vacation week, but we salvaged it as best we could.
It was a beautiful spring day with temps in the 60s and very light winds. We've had so many races with strong ocean winds and a flooded Atlantic Ave, so this was a nice respite. A total of 205 runners toed the line of our now certified courses, the highest number in 15 years. I kept my race remarks short to echo requests of the Westerly Police, and off we went. I quickly settled in behind Tommy, and while his lead only increased, I never changed positions. 1.5 miles in, the 5K runners split left onto Breach Drive and the rest of us soldiered on down to the breachway and the beautiful ocean views that awaited us beyond. First two miles: 5:59, 6:03.
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| Start of 2016 Clamdigger (The Westerly Sun) |
The third mile was the slowest, mostly due to fatigue onset middle of the race, plus going uphill into the wind on Noyes Neck Road. 6:18 split.
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| Mile 2 in Weekapaug (Pic by Mike B) |
The last two miles I was able to pick it up back on Atlantic Avenue and now passing some of the 5K'ers. Passed young Ezri just before the finish, as she was having a most impressive major PR out there. Miles 4 and 5 were 6:04 and 5:54.
Overall: 30:20. 4th place, 1st in age group.
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| Putting on the free kids' run on the beach |
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| Beautiful post-race party at the beautiful new Westerly Town Beach pavilion |
Fairly happy with my run, especially early in the season. More happy with how well the race went, and how the WTAC team came together, as well as the town in general, as we were able to use the beautiful new town pavilion, had fantastic support from the police and from the local ham radio team, as well as chowder served by the WHS culinary class.
Nice video of the top 5-milers at 2 miles in
Great race, Jeff! As usual, you were quite strong out there. Congrats on another successful Clamdigger. It's a great WTAC event-makes me proud to be part of the club.
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