The little boy dressed in a leprechaun outfit was sent on a St. Patrick Day’s mission – help everyone run fast. Bill McGuire’s all green outfit must have made the patron saint smile on the runners on this St. Patrick’s Day and coax gravity into turning down its pull down just a bit. The result was lots of fast times at the 2001 Rails to Trails 5K. Nearly all of the runners finished with a big smile on their face and a fast time. Bill’s reward was a 17:08 finish time and trip to race winner’s circle. He picked up 30 points for the first place grand prix finish as well. Don’t overlook the significance of this time. The NATIONAL record for 53 year olds is only 16:25, according to USA Track and Field stats. I have not been able to find the state record yet, but I bet it is close. Greg Escorra was second and Michael LaBossiere finished third. Reid Vannoy took the masters title with a 17:15.

On the women’s side, Sarah Docter-Williams continued to steam roll through the 2001 grand prix circuit taking advantage of the fast morning with a 17:22 win, her best time in 2001. Kate Wallace and Allison Eagan were not far behind at 18:29 and 18:39. It was a PR for Allison even though she had helped lead a GWTC women’s team to a team title in Jacksonville seven days earlier at the River Run 15K. Peggy Simpson was masters champion with a 21:08.

Thanks to Joe Beckham, Patti Sudduth and Joe Dexter for putting on a first class event.

Complete results.