Finally, a race friendly round of weather for the 19th
annual Doyle’s classic. Forget the winter we just had; regardless, Doyle’s is
known for raw, somewhat schizophrenic weather ala 2014 when publicans were
teased by the sun before rain fell just in time for the race start. Then, when
everyone was packing up, the sun came out again.
In sharp contrast to being sand-blasted at An Ras Mor two
weeks prior, the birds were chirping and the squirrels were doing somersaults
in tranquil and traffic-free Franklin Park.
Former Brookline HS standout David Wilson hit the first mile
in 4:54 and that was it (according to his father James Wilson following an
email to his son who had already run home before the awards). James, by the
way, ran 6:35 pace to place 4th among Vets, a division won by John Barbour in a
very swift 30:20, but still no threat to VT speedster Bill Dixon’s M60 course
record of 28:18.
Wilson hit the finish in 20:27 with HFC young spud Nick
Green 2nd in 20:13. HFC’s TJ Unger posted up 3rd in 20:34 followed 7-seconds
later by SRR strongman Greg Picklesimer. Given Wilson’s geographical racing
preference of Somerville, Cambridge, JP, this would tie TJ & Greg for the
top spot as the malt and hops expedition moves south to the Liam Maguire’s Almost
5-Miler (4.912 to be precise).
Past champ Lee Danforth was 5th and watch out for 2013 champ
Jake Barnett of SRR, 6th here and sneaking up the leaderboard. (Anyone seen Jimmy’s race number?)
Like men’s winner Wilson, Ginger Reiner logged a fast first
mile (5:52) that gave her clear sailing as she arrived back at Doyle’s in
30:29. Defending Pub Series co-champ Candice Gagnon of Greater Lowell and Team
Fabulous had a strong race for 2nd in 31:08 and that puts the pair 1-2 in the
SeriesÛÓReiner with 99 points, Candice with 96, NH’s Liz Whiting 3rd with 95 and
co-champ Amanda Watters 4th with 91 followed by top Master Holly Madden (88).
Whiting and Watters placed 4-5 at Doyle’s.
Perhaps the weather was too mild for bubbling controversy
this time around as Marge Bellisle found the psi in her tires hadn’t been compromised
by some reprobate and promptly won the women’s Senior divison in 34:50 for 12th
overall. Still, Jimmy Fallon did run without his bib number (ala Tavern to
Tavern 2 years ago) but that was promptly mentioned to Pub authorities who
green lighted his finishing time and place.
(Left: Ginger Reiner)
There was an age-group record set on the day as 70-year-old
Jan Holmquist of Whirlaway ran 7:24 pace to demolish the previous women’s 70+
standard (and dare we say, ran faster than the existing men’s 70+ record).
Great to see the RI Tuesday Nite Turtle tent added to
regulars SRR & NER in the asphalt beer garden behind Doyle’s (HFC just had
a banner but certainly the most club representatives).
There are currently 85 women with scoring points in the
Overall (Top 50) standings as race No. 3 approaches, so certainly the wheat
will separate from the chaff following Liam Maguire’s Almost 5-Miler Check out
the race website. ÛÓ There’s prize $ for the top 3 overall and top M40, W40, M50,
W50, plus merchandise, music and a private party for Publicans in Liam’s
post-race. For the truly adventurous, there’s an official gathering at Captain
Kidd’s in Woods Hole on Saturday night (race is Sunday).
Also, see below for lodging: Men’s Standings Women’s Standings
Host Hotel:
Holiday Inn Cape Cod-Falmouth,
291 Jones Road, Falmouth, MA 02540, Tel: 800-315-2621, www.holidayinn.com.
Located conveniently a mile from the start and finish and Main Street
businesses including Liam’s and other fine restaurants, the Official Host Hotel
of Liam Maguire’s Irish Pub almost Five Miler is offering a special discounted
rate to race participants on race weekend. Just mention that you are running
“Liam McGuire’s Almost Five Miler” when you register. Late checkout is
available to race participants who request it. (Tunnel Vision)