Blerch Marathon Series: 002nd Running of the Too Slow for Boston Marathon (Results, Report, and Photos)

9/25/2011

Race Report

On a pretty strange day at the Greenway, we had 10 runners participate in the 002nd Running of the Too Slow for Boston Marathon.

Most runners were able to avoid the morning downpour, but the rain left puddles (one of which was particularly slippery) and flooded the bridge at the end of the Greenway. Then, of course, the sun came out, leaving at least one of us sunburned by the end of the run.

Most people seemed to have enjoyed the run about as much as you can enjoy running 26.2 miles, but there was some controversy at the race. John Love started the race early, so that he could get back home at a reasonable hour, while Tim Albertson, and his friends Richard Needham and Dan Forlano, started at noon. When John finished his marathon, it appeared as though he would be the winner, just edging out Tim. John needed to hit the road, and the race director wanted to give John the special winner's medal and take some photos of the winner with the trophy, so he declared John the winner. As John was about to leave, one of Tim's friends finished one of his out-and-backs, and he told us that Tim was set on winning the race and was slowing his pace to make sure he'd win. John was a good sport about returning the winner's medal, and there did not seem to be any hard-feelings about the confusion created by the race director's bad decision. Lesson learned.

The race director wasn't the only one making bad decisions at the Greenway that day though. As evening approached, the RD and Daniel Lieb were hanging out at the start/finish area when a man drove up to the basketball courts with a baby seat balanced on his trunk (no baby inside). A few minutes later, a group of about six moms and dads in their early- to mid-20s came walking up from across the parking lot. Cigarettes hanging from their mouths, they were accompanied by about a dozen 4 or 5 year-olds. They all hung out on the basketball court for about an hour, and there wasn't a moment that the parents weren't toking on their cancer sticks. On several occasions, we noticed parents blowing smoke in the children's faces while they talked to them.

After the race, Tim blew all of his money by taking the remaining runners out to eat at Sagebrush. Proudly, the runners donned their finishers' medals during the meal. Tim even brought his giant check into the restaurant.

Race Photos (In Reverse Chronological Order)

Tim Albertson with his giant check. Tim was awarded $100 for winning the 2011 TSFB Marathon.

Tim Albertson with the TSFB Trophy, his winner's medal, and his wreath. The trophy stays with the race director, and each year, the winner adds his name to the trophy.

Tim Albertson with the trophy.

Tim Albertson finishing the Marathon.

Richard Needham with his giant check for finishing in 3rd Place.

Richard Needham and his giant check.

Richard Needham finishing the Marathon.

Dan Forlano finishing the Marathon.

A great sport, John Love poses with the medal that he would later forfeit. He actually finished 2nd. The 2nd Place finisher was supposed to receive $65, but John was given $90 and was given a lifetime free entry into the race to make up for having to give back the winner's medal. John was also gracious enough to have technical shirts made for everyone.