I volunteered as a Corral Monitor in Boston today, and
had a front-row seat to a real spectacle. Last year,
I was stationed at the last corral, just in front of
the bandits. This year, I got to Hopkinton early, and
was assigned to Corral #1 (bibs 1000-1999). This is,
roughly speaking, the sub-3:00 runners, those who have
paid their dues and earned their prime slots.
Situated just behind the back of the elite corral, I
got to see the start of the wheelchair race and the
start of the women's race before the majority of the
corral filed in. New US citizen Uta Pippig was the
starter for the women's race. At the start of the
people's race, I saw Rita Cognion pass by and called
out to her. After cleaning up the discarded clothing
and trash, I was free to leave.
I reached my favorite spot, the Natick/Wellesley line,
by 1:30, quite a bit earlier than last year. I was
able to spot Connie Chan in her pineapple singlet
once again (Hi, Connie!), as well as a triathlete/
orienteer/adventure racing friend, now sponsored by
EMS.
The runners looked much better this year than last.
Most looked like they still had life in them.
Just before the start, one of the athletes discarded
a couple of Gu packs, which I pocketed rather than
have them be more trash. When I reached the
Natick/Wellesley line, I offered them up to the
runners alongside the kids holding out water cups.
I was glad to offer assistance.
Three cheers to all those who competed today.
Sam in Worcester
OTN: none today, 10M hilly LSD yesterday