Hook or By Crook 12k - USATF National Masters Championship

 The 12k National Masters Championship, called "By Hook or By Crook," in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, got off to an unusual start for Chuck Terry and me. When Chuck arrived to check us in, the hotel we were staying at was roped off with caution tape. That morning, a dead body had been found there, and the police were on the scene, preventing us from checking in. Later that day, after Chuck was finally able to check in, I met him at the hotel with some trepidation.

 

 

Chuck Terry en route to a fast 41:24 that has an age-graded ranking of 80%+ and would place him 6th overall in the Championship Race; Photo Courtesy of Barbara Terry

Thankfully, after an uneventful night, we woke up to a cool, clear morning. After a short drive to the race course, we grabbed our race numbers and bumped into Karen Bertasso and Lori Kingsley, both aiming to place well overall and in their age groups. After a few miles of warming up, I noticed the temperature rising quickly, much to my dismay. Chuck seemed focused and unfazed by the heat, while I don’t perform well in high temperatures.
 

Bob Irwin finishing strong despite the heat and humidity; Photo courtesy of Barbara Terry

The race is an out-and-back lollipop course with little shade and long, straight sections. Chuck ran one of his best races ever as a master runner, finishing 6th overall with a time of 41:24. Karen Bertasso, making her master's circuit debut, finished an incredible second with a time of 43:54, just behind Roberta Groner, who had previously placed 9th in the marathon at the World Championships. Groner was also a former HMMRC marathon champion. Lori Kingsley had a strong race, finishing second in her age group. As for me, I ended up 4th in my age group after overheating halfway through the race. My only solace was that I was doing better than the guy at the hotel.
 

Chuck and Bob enjoying the post-race refreshments at the awards ceremony; Photo courtesy of Barbara Terry

The race took place in the beautiful setting of Sandy Hook Bay, with the course running through the peninsula, beaches on both sides. It was a perfect location, allowing us to relax on the beach after racing hard. I highly recommend this race for anyone looking for a great weekend getaway.

Chuck with his special “Elite Performance - National Class” medal awarded to participants who achieved times with age-graded rankings higher than 80%. Nice work Chuck! Photo courtesy of Barbara Terry

Robert Irwin D.C. Delmar Chiropractic 204 Delaware Ave. Office (518) 439-7644

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