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SQRR Quarterly Newsletter |
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Dear Chris, We are well on our way towards hosting the 15th running of the Groton Road Race. This year marks a string of transitions which I hope will inject some new excitement into this excellent tradition. The big news is that we have committed to switching to a new 10K course. Although this change was prompted by growing traffic and safety concerns, we think the new course is even more scenic and enjoyable. If you have not seen the race course, go to the race web site to see a new map. Another benefit of the new course is that all four races will start and finish on the middle school track, which will allow us to consolidate operations and – more importantly – keep all the hospitality, amenities and entertainment in one area. Our brave new Finish Line Guy, Chris Shaffer, is working to consolidate and upgrade the festivities at the track. This year, we are also working to add musical entertainment at the track and along the course. “The Nays” will make an encore appearance, starring SQRR speedster, three-club-mercenary and part-time drummer/vocalist Frank Row. We have at least a couple other acts lined up for musical accompaniament along the race course – more on this in later newsletters. In other news, Gina Milan has rolled out another tasty graphic for the race – go to the race website to see the new artwork. Thank you Gina! I’m happy to report that our sponsorship is finally in good shape: All of our traditional major sponsors will be supporting the race again this year, and we are getting additional support from other local merchants and groups. HUGE kudos to Sue Podolske, who managed to recruit the last few major sponsors from afar. On a final and urgent note, I’d like to reiterate the call for volunteers on race day and during the days and weeks before. It is important for ALL members of the SQRR to show up for this important event. Planning on running the race? No problem: there are plenty of ways to help out that leave you free for the 40 minutes you’ll need to run the 10K! Mark Graf is serving as the Volunteer Coordinator. Please contact Mark to let him know what days are best for you to help, and to let him know if you have a particular area of interest in the race. Mark will figure out which of the (major) Team Leaders need extra help, but the main people that you might be supporting are:
So get off your couch, lace up your shoes and get
involved. We need you all. See you on Race Day.
The success of any road race is closely linked to the number of volunteers. And the same is true in Groton--the more volunteers the better. We're always looking for people to fill key positions on the race course, finish line, registration, food tent, Tots Trot. It only requires a few hours of your time and you'll be rewarded with a race t-shirt and a hearty thank you from the runners and the race committee. If you'd like to run one of the races or be there for your kids--no problem. There are plenty of jobs that can be worked around race times. If you're not available on race day, there are opportunities to help prior to race day on both Friday and Saturday--and don't forget bag stuffing! Please contact Mark Graf, this year's volunteer coordinator, and he'll find you an assignment.
It wasn't an official Race of the Month, but a few Squannies gathered in Lowell on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5th, to run the Super 5K before the Big Game. Weatherwise, it was typical of the kind of day we've come to expect this winter: Splendid, spring-like, 50 degrees, with a balmy, tropic breeze. Steve O'Brien, Jr. made the rest of us look like we were standing still, finishing in 7th-place (17:11) in a strong field. Sue Hoxie, Dave Surprenant, Steve O'Brien (Sr.), Dale Sibley, Glenn Lewis, and yours truly ventured out to partake. Full results and photos can be found at CoolRunning. This was a fun race, with a nice loop course that started and finished by the Knickerbocker Athletic Club. Soup and beer were served afterwards. Maybe we'll see a few more of you there next year! And, oh yeah... I think the Steelers won later that day -- Contributed by Mark Graf In March the designated race will be the 4th Annual Salem Park and Recreation 5K Cross Country Run held on 3/26/06. It takes place in Salem, MA at 9 a.m. at Olde Salem Greens Golf Course, Wilson St. Click here for an application or contact the race director, Doug Bollen. It’s a mix of pavement (golf cart paths) and grass (fairways) with many rolling hills. It’s a nine-hole course with one full loop and another half. There are a few steep downhills and a few good climbs. Parking at the golf course. The gate will be open at 7 a.m. Gun goes off at 9 a.m. Directions to Salem:
In April the designated race will be the Loco Moose Nashua (Almost Free) Running Shoes 5K on 4/2/06. It's run at 10 a.m. from Stellos Stadium off of Rte. 111 in Nashua. All runners receive a pair of Loco Sports Running Shoes instead of a T-Shirt! For more information or an application, check out their web page. A caravan of runners/cars will go up for both races. More details will be sent out closer to race day. If you're like more information in the meantime, contact Chris Russell.
Several of our own fish will be swimming their way from Hopkinton to Boston on April 17th. A few are first timers, such as Maria and Julie, and several are veterns, such as Frank and Chris. We wish them all well!
Stay tuned for details on the after race festivities. Typically we have a hotel room near the finish line to welcome back the runners and toast their successes.
Club member Dale Sibley has alerted us that the Littleton Parks & Recreaion department is holding another session of Triathlon 101 Training again this summer. It should be on the Littleton Parks & Recreation schedule next month some time, and scheduled to begin in the June/July timeframe. Dale says it's an awesome set of training sessions for beginner triathletes or even intermediates who want to beef up in preparation for the Littleton Triathlon. For more information, email the session leader, Marc Saucier.
We've had several new members join the club since last fall. New members find us through word of mouth, Internet searches, and through the RRCA web site. Please introduce yourself to a new member:
By the spring racing season, we'll have new uniforms available for club members to purchase. We're in the process of identifying a vendor, but you'll have several options to chose from with a singlet, short sleeve, long sleeve, and a windbreaker. More details will be sent separately when available, but if you have questions, email Sue Hoxie.
Ursula Graf has been thoughtful enough to start a resource list for club members when life events occur and you might need help getting meals on the table. In the past year we've had club members fall ill or with the birth of a new baby, they need some support and kindness. A few members have rallied together and provided meals for a few days or weeks in some cases. We all hope we'll never need the help, but it's nice to know it's there if you need it. Ursula is compiling a list of people who are willing to cook if needed. If you'd like to be included, please send her a quick email.
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