USATF New England Mountain Series: Annual recaps

Mountain circuit - Annual recaps

2018 USATF New England

Mountain Running Circuit

The USATF NE mountain series wrapped up at Bretton Woods which offered two races which could count toward scoring in the series. The Ascutney Mountain race returned to the series after a one-year absence. The series was scored in a “best 6 of 8” format. In all 217 men and 140 women took part in the series. 124 runners attained “Goat” status by completing 6 or more of the 8 races. This entitles them to a lottery by-pass for the 2019 Mt Washington road race. Ten of the Goats added on the non-scoring Mt Rosebrook ascent the day before the final series race. The hardest of the hardcore were: Barbara McManus (CMS), Kimberly Gordon (CMS), Heath Brewer, Bruce Christensen (Soundrunner), Chris Corradino (EORC), Richard Mellor, Christopher Smith (SRR), Arthur Bellerive, Kim Bellerive, and Joanna Hall (TNT).

Champions were determined by totaling points earned with the best six counting. The points were determined based on the finisher's percent behind the winner (Example: the winner runs 1:00:00 and Runner-X runs 2:00:00. Runner-X gets 50 points). Women were scored based on the winning woman's time to give them equivalent scores to the men.

On the men’s Todd

Callaghan (CMS) picked up his first title with 583.06 points. The next five individuals were all within 9 points of each other. Heath Brewer topped the “totals points” category amassing 810.25 points in all 9 races. On the women’s side Kassandra Marin (aR) picked up her first title as well with 589.49 points. Barbara McManus was the point total leader with 683.54 over 9 races, she also was tops in the 50-59 age group.

The team titles were scored using the point totals for five finishers scoring in the open category (men) and three scoring in the age groups and women’s open. The Central Mass Striders (CMS) took home first place in the Men’s Open, Men’s 40+, and Men’s 50+ team categories. Upper Valley Running club topped the Men’s 60+. The acidotic women won in the open, and 50+. CMS took the 50+ title. The 60+ was not contested.

Women

Open: Kassandra Marin, aR, 589.49; 40+ Freddie Triback, TG, 460.50; 50+ Barbara McManus, CMS, 466.34; 60+ Kathleen Murphy, CMS, 384.68

Men

Open: Todd Callaghan, CMS, 583.03; 40+ Todd Callaghan, CMS, 583.03; 50+ Dave Dunham, CMS, 547.98 ; 60+ Len Hall, UVRC, 446.24; 70+ Gene Fahey, UVRC, 383.51

2017 USATF New England

Mountain Running Circuit

The USATF NE mountain series wrapped up at Bretton Woods which offered three different races which could count toward scoring in the series. The Ascutney Mountain race was dropped from the series, but will return in 2018 as a race director was found (and the race was in fact held in 2017 although not part of the series). The series was scored in a “best 5 of 7” format. In all 197 men and 110 women took part in the series. In addition 149 runners attained “Goat” status by completing 5 or more of the 7 races. This entitles them to a lottery by-pass for the 2018 Mt Washington road race. Eight of the Goats added on the non-scoring Mt Rosebrook ascent the day before the final series race. The hardest of the hardcore were: Barbara McManus (CMS), Kimberly Gordon (CMS), Dave Dunham (CMS), Heath Brewer, Bruce Christensen (Soundrunner), Chris Corradino (EORC), and Richard Mellor.

Champions were determined by totaling points earned with the best five counting. The points were determined based on the finisher's percent behind the winner (Example: the winner runs 1:00:00 and Runner-X runs 2:00:00. Runner-X gets 50 points). Women are scored based on the winning woman's time to give them equivalent scores to the men.

On the men’s Brandon Newbould (WRT) picked up his second title with a perfect score of 500 points. CMS individuals took the next seven spots. Dave Dunham topped the “totals points” category amassing 637.80 points in 7 races. On the women’s side Christin Doneski picked up her third overall title while also winning her third masters title, amassing 475.23 points. Bethany Mayo (Mystic) was the point total leader with 541.28 over 7 races.

The team titles were scored using the point totals for five finishers scoring in the open category and three scoring in the age groups. The Central Mass Striders (CMS) took home first place in the Men’s Open, Men’s 40+, and Men’s 50+, and Men’s 60+ team categories. The CMS women won in the open, 40+, and 60+ with North Medford Club (NMC) taking the 50+ tile.

Women

Open: Christin Doneski, WRT, 475.23; 40+ Christin Doneski, WRT, 475.23; 50+ Erica Khan, TG, 403.47; 60+ Mary Sharkey, CMS, 327.61

Men

Open: Brandon Newbould, WRT, 500.00; 40+ Todd Callaghan, CMS 480.13; 50+ Dave Dunham, CMS 466.34; 60+ Paul Bazanchuk, CMS, 385.57; 70+ Gary Reuter, aR, 263.88

2016 USATF New England

Mountain Running Circuit

The USATF NE mountain series wrapped up at Bretton Woods which hosted the North American Fell Running.

The series was scored in a “best 6 of 8” format. In all 230 men and 111 women took part in the series. In addition 112 runners attained “Goat” status by completing 6 or more of the 8 races. This entitles them to a lottery by-pass for the 2017 Mt Washington road race.

Champions are determined by totaling points earned with the best six counting. The points were determined based on the finisher's percent behind the winner (Example: the winner runs 1:00:00 and Runner-X runs 2:00:00. Runner-X gets 50 points). Women are scored based on the winning woman's time to give them equivalent scores to the men.

On the men’s side CMS individuals took the top five spots. Tim Van Orden became the first male master to also win the overall series as Matt Veiga came in less than 5 points back. Dave Dunham topped the “totals points” category amassing 715.50 points in 8 races. On the women’s side Leslie O’Dell (CMS) won her second consecutive title, and took her first masters title, amassing a near perfect 597.36 points. Jamie Woolsey (aR) kept it close all year finishing in second place despite having never run a mountain race prior to this year.

The team titles were scored using the point totals for up to five finishers scoring in the open category and up to three scoring in the age groups. The Central Mass Striders (CMS) took home first place in the Men’s Open, Men’s 40+, and Men’s 50+ team categories. Acidotic racing (aR) swept the women’s team categories.

Women

Open: Leslie O’Dell, CMS, 597.36; 40+ Leslie O’Dell, CMS 597.36; 50+ Erica Khan, TG, 494.89; 60+ Mary Sharkey, 429.17

Men

Open: Tim Van Orden, CMS 577.37; 40+ Tim Van Orden, CMS 577.37; 50+ Dave Dunham, CMS 544.00; 60+ Len Hall, GCS, 450.97; 70+ Vincent Rivard, NMC, 359.52

2015 USATF New England

Mountain Running Circuit

The USATF NE Mountain series completed its 20^th year and as such is the oldest mountain race circuit in the country.

The big changes were the addition of the Mount Greylock road race and the “goat” requirement change to best 6 out of 8 races. Mountain goat status is coveted as it comes with not only bragging rights but a lottery by-pass into the following years Mt Washington road race. According to senior series director Paul Kirsch “we decided to add another race but keep mountain goat at 6 out of 8. The new race will be the 40th Annual Mount Greylock Road Race, an uphill-only 8 mile paved road race. We hope this gives those who are downhill averse another opportunity for an uphill race for goatliness.”

The best 6 of 8 finishes were used to decide individual and team titles. The team titles were scored using the point totals for up to five finishers scoring in the open category and up to three scoring in the age groups. Drew Best (aR) took home his first individual title in the men’s open with CMS teammates Todd Callaghan and Matt Veiga taking second and third respectively. Leslie O’Dell (CMS) also took home her first title winning three races along the way and topping the competition by over 35 points. The Central Mass Striders (CMS) and Acidotic Racing (aR) again ran the table taking home all of the categories in the team competition on the men’s and women’s sides respectively.

USATF New England Mountain running champions (600 possible points):

Women

Open: Leslie O’Dell, CMS, 578.99; 40+:Sarah Schlaack, aR, 474.44; 50+:Erica Khan, TG, 497.16; 60+: Jo Barrett, 430.15

Men

Open: Drew Best, aR, 589.38; 40+: Todd Callaghan, CMS, 569.86; 50+: Jeff Gould, NMC, 464.08; 60+: Len Hall, GCS, 448.81; 70+: Peter Orni, NMC, 344.33

110 runners earned “Goat” status by finishing at least 6 of the 8 races, including 19 who ran all 8. Richard Stockdale (GCS) continued his amazing streak, now finishing 90 consecutive series finishes from 2000 – 2015. Laurel Shortell (WMAC) held on to her lead in the women’s “most finishes” category with 78, and Emer O’Donoghue (SRR) remains close behind with 76.

2014 USATF New England

Mountain Running Circuit

For the first time the USATF New England Mountain running circuit concluded on the slopes of Bretton Woods, (Carroll, New Hampshire) on October 4^th. The 19^th annual running of the series ended in the fall and for the first time and the series had 7 events. This was also the first year that team scoring was included. All scoring was done on the “best 6 of 7” races. Individual scoring was calculated based on a percentage of the winner’s time. Team scoring was done in the open, 40+, and 50+ categories with the first 5 scoring in the open and the first 3 scoring in the masters and seniors. Runners were allowed to score down in the team categories. The best 6 of 7 finishes were used to decide individual titles.

Over 300 USATF NE runners ran in at least one of the races. Over 100 members (102 to be exact) earned “Mountain Goat” status by running 6 of the 7 races. A hardcore group of 37 completed all 7 events amassing over 16,000 feet of climb over 47.3 miles.

The Central Mass Striders (CMS) and Acidotic Racing (aR) ran the table taking home all of the categories in the team competition on the men’s and women’s sides respectively. Individual titles were claimed by Jim Johnson (CMS) and Christin Doneski (WRT). Johnson took his third title and Doneski her second consecutive crown. Johnson is now tied with Paul Low with three overall series victories and trails only Eric Morse (CMS) who has 6 titles from 1996-2003. Doneski also won her second consecutive masters title.

In the age groups Peter Orni (NMC) won his second consecutive 70+ title, and his 7^th age group win in the last eleven years. Elaine Dill (aR) took her fourth consecutive 60+ title while Len Hall (GCS) took home his second consecutive title (60+ this year and 50+ last year). Jackie Shakar (CSU) was the women’s 50+ winner, winning for the fourth year in a row, she also finished in third place overall trailing only Doneski and Leslie Beckwith (aR). Dave Dunham (CMS) took the men’s 50+ and became the first man in the history of the series to win the overall (1996 & 1998), 40+(2005-2009), and 50+(2014). Donna Smyth (CSU) is the only woman to have taken three titles. Todd Callaghan (CMS) was the men’s masters champion for 3^rd consecutive year, he also finished second overall in the series 13.5 points behind Johnson.

In the “all-time standings” Richard Stockdale (GCS) continues to lead all ‘streakers’ with 82 consecutive race finishes from 2000 to 2014. Stockdale also leads the all-time finishes list with his 82, series founder Dave Dunham (CMS) trail by 1 race. On the all-time point total the roles are reversed with Dunham leadig with 7422.72 points and Stockdale in second with 5,812.97 points. On the women’s side Laurel Shortell (WMAC) tops the finishes list with 70, with Emer O’Donoghue (SRR) close behind with 68. Donna Smyth (CSU) leads in the point total standings with 5,012.77 points with Lisa Doucett (CSU) not far behind in second place with 4,799.63 points.

2013 USATF New England

Mountain Running Circuit

The six race, USATF New England mountain running circuit had a line-up change again this year. Pack Monadnock, which had been in the circuit 16 of the previous 17 years, was unable to obtain a permit. The second annual Bretton Woods Fell race, the only Fell race held in New England, was selected as a replacement. In addition the Cranmore Mountain race moved to the end of July and Ascutney moved to the more traditional date of early June. The circuit concluded on the summit of Mount Cranmore, New Hampshire, on July 21 with teammates Brandon Newbould (WRT) and Christin Doneski (WRT) winning the overall titles. The top 5 scores were included in the totals.

Newbould and teammate Eric MacKnight had a spirited battle throughout the series with Newbould taking the title 483.09 to 477.04 points. Todd Callaghan (GCS) again earned the master’s title with 461.33 points, good enough for third place overall. Len Hall (GCS) took the 50+ with 354.54 points, John Martin (WMM) was first in the 60+ (350.32 points) and Peter Orni (NMC) moved up to the 70+ category and won with 275.70 points.

Christin Doneski was the overall and master’s champion with 497.04 points; she was the overall winner in three races and masters champion in five. Jacqueline Shakar (CSU) again topped the 50+ with her 417.65 points, finishing in 5^thplace overall.

Elaine Dill (GSH) again topped the 60+ with 329.50 points.

Champions are determined by totaling points earned with the best five counting. The points were determined based on the finisher's percent behind the winner (Example: the winner runs 1:00:00 and Runner-X runs 2:00:00. Runner-X gets 50 points). Women are scored based on the winning woman's time to give them equivalent scores to the men.

USATF New England Mountain running champions (500 possible points)

Women

Open: Christin Doneski, WRT, 497.04; 40+: Doneski, 497.04; 50+: Jacqueline Shakar, CSU, 417.65; 60+: Elaine Dill, GSH 329.50

Men

Open: Brandon Newbould, WRT, 483.09; 40+: Todd Callaghan, GCS, 461.33; 50+: Len Hall, GCS, 354.54; 60+: John Martin, WMM, 350.32; 70+: Peter Orni, NMC, 275.70

2012 USATF New England

Mountain Running Circuit

The six race, USATF New England mountain running circuit had the first change in races since 2005. The long running 2003-2011) Northfield Mountain race left and the first annual Sleepy Hollow race entered the series. The circuit concluded on the summit of Mount Ascutney, Vermont, on July 22 with Jim Johnson (CMS) and Karen Encarnacion (SRR) winning the overall titles. The top 5 scores were included in the totals.

Johnson won two of the six races and earned the series title with 487.96 points. Todd Callaghan (GCS) and Dave Dunham had a close fight with Callaghan taking the master’s title 470.88 to 467.22. They placed third and fourth overall. Martin Tighe (CMS) returned for his third 50+ title with 420.44 points, placing fifth overall. Rich Miller (WMM) topped the 60+ division (365.78) again and Frank Hurt (WMM) kept his streak of 70+ title victories alive with 273.07 points.

Karen Encarnacion took the overall title along with the master’s title after a series long battle with second place finisher Jacqueline Shakar (CMS). Encarnacion won with 444.86 points and Shakar topped the 50+ with her 427.95 points.

Elaine Dill (GSH) again topped the 60+ with 343.21 points. Carrie Parsi (LAC) was the winner in the 70+ with 65.33 points.

USATF New England Mountain running champions (500 possible points)

Women

Open: Karen Encarnacion, SRR, 444.86; 40+: Encarnacion, 444.86; 50+: Jacqueline Shakar, CMS, 427.95; 60+: Elaine Dill, GSH 343.21; 70+ Carrie Parsi, LAC, 65.33

Men

Open: Jim Johnson, CMS, 487.96; 40+: Todd Callaghan, GCS, 470.88; 50+: Martin Tighe, CMS, 420.44; 60+: Rich Miller, WMM, 365.78; 70+: Frank Hurt, WMM, 273.07

2011 USATF New England

Mountain Running Circuit

The six race, USATF New England mountain running circuit again concluded on the summit of Mount Ascutney, Vermont, on July 11 with Jim Johnson (CMS) and Kath Hardcastle winning the overall titles. The top 5 scores were included in the totals.

Johnson won three of the six races and earned a near perfect 497.53 points. Tim Van Orden (CMS) and Todd Callaghan (GCS) had an excellent battle right to the final race with Van Orden finishing a little more than two points ahead to score his first master’s title 477.18 to 475.02. The duo finished second and third overall. Paul Bazanchuk (WMM) took home the 50+ title for the second straight year with 392.51 points. Rich Miller (WMM) topped the 60+ division (434.22) and Frank Hurt (WMM) again took the 70+ title with 279.33 points.

Kath Hardcastle won her first New England series title with 454.10. Long-time series runner Emer O’Donoghue (SRR) was top master’s finisher with 407.31 points. Jacqueline Shakar (CMS) topped the 50+ category finishing with 418.20 points, which was good enough for fourth place overall. Elaine Dill topped the 60+ with 390.12 points.

USATF New England Mountain running champions (500 possible points)

Women

Open: Kath Hardcastle, 454.10; 40+: Emer O’Donoghue, SRR, 345.56; 50+: Jacqueline Shakar, CMS, 418.20; 60+: Elaine Dill, 328.89

Men

Open: Jim Johnson, CMS, 497.53; 40+: Tim Van Orden, CMS, 477.18; 50+: Paul Bazanchuk, WMM, 396.26; 60+: Rich Miller, WMM, 367.28; 70+: Frank Hurt, WMM, 279.33

2010 USATF New England

Mountain Running Circuit

The six race, USATF New England mountain running circuit again concluded on the summit of Mount Ascutney, Vermont, on July 11 with Inov-8’s Gina Lucrezi and BAA’s Eric Blake both scoring a perfect 500 points to take the overall titles. The top 5 scores were included in the totals.

Blake ran (and won) five of the six races to earn a perfect score. Todd Callaghan (GCS) finished in fourth place overall as he took home the master’s title (463.52). Paul Bazanchuk (WMM) was tops in the 50+ with 392.51 points. Vincent Rivard (NMC) topped the 60+ division (328.12) and Frank Hurt (WMM) scored yet another 70+ title with 288.17 points.

Gina Lucrezi won all six races on the way to her first New England series title. For the second year in a row Karen Encarnacion (SRR) was the master’s champion finishing in third place overall with 461.33.1 points. Lisa Doucett’s (CSU) streak of consecutive wins came to an end as her teammate Donna Smyth beat her by a scant .2 points 419.62 to 419.42 in the F50+ category. Linda Usher (CMS) won again in the 60+ with 71.25 points and Barbara Robinson (GCS) took the 70+ category for the fourth consecutive year with 61.12 points.

USATF New England Mountain running champions (500 possible points)

Women

Open: Gina Lucrezi, Inov-8, 500.00; 40+: Karen Encarnacion, SRR, 461.33; 50+: Donna Smyth, CSU, 419.62; 60+: Linda Usher, CMS, 71.25; 70+: Barbara Robinson, GCS, 61.12

Men

Open: Eric Blake, BAA, 500.00; 40+: Todd Callaghan, GCS, 463.52; 50+: Paul Bazanchuk, WMM, 392.51; 60+: Vincent Rivard, NMC, 328.12; 70+: Frank Hurt, WMM, 288.17

2009 USATF New England

Mountain Running Circuit

The six race, USATF New England mountain running circuit again concluded on the summit of Mount Ascutney, Vermont, on July 12 with CMS teammates Andy McCarron and Abby Mahoney taking the overall titles. The top 5 scores were included in the totals.

Andy McCarron ran five of the six races to outpace teammate Dave Dunham by 15 points with 486.08 points. Dunham was the master’s winner (471.51) a scant 3 points up on Todd Callaghan (GCS). Martin Tighe (TNT) picked up his second consecutive 50+ title with 433.1 points. Peter Orni (NMC) topped the 60+ division and Frank Hurt (WMM) scored another 70+ title.

Abby Mahoney won at three races to score her second circuit win with 470.99 points. Karen Encarnacion was the master’s champion finishing in third place overall with 427.1 points. Lisa Doucett (CSU) continued her winning ways in the F50+ category with 404.5 points. Linda Usher (CMS) took the 60+ with 70.45 points and Barbara Robinson (GCS) won the 70+ category for the third consecutive year with 62.75 points.

USATF New England Mountain running champions (500 possible points)

Women

Open: Abby Mahoney, CMS, 470.99; 40+: Karen Encarnacion, 427.1; 50+: Lisa Doucett, CSU, 404.5; 60+: Linda Usher, CMS, 70.45; 70+: Barbara Robinson, GCS, 62.75

Men

Open: Andy McCarron, CMS, 486.08; 40+: Dave Dunham, CMS, 471.51; 50+: Martin Tighe, TNT, 433.31; 60+: Peter Orni, NMC, 333.81; 70+: Frank Hurt, WMM, 299.96

2008 La Sportiva USATF New England

Mountain Running Circuit

The six race, USATF New England mountain running circuit wrapped up on the summit of Mount Ascutney, Vermont, on July 12 with rookies Justin Fyffe (GCST) Nancy Cook (Unattached) topping the standings. The top 5 scores were included in the totals.

Justin Fyffe won at the Cranmore race and finished well in five other races to amass a total of 486.72 points. Circuit founder Dave Dunham (CMS) was third overall as well as master’s winner (462.20). Martin Tighe (TNT) was the 50+ winner with 433.33 points. The 60+ division had a spirited duel with Alex Silverman (GSH) edging Vincent Rivard by just over 2 points (335.74 to 333.25). Frank Hurt (WMM) was the 70+ champion.

Women's winner Nancy Cook not only took the overall title, but the master’s title as well. Lisa Doucett (CSU) again dominated the F50+ category, finishing over 100 points ahead of her closest rival. Elizabeth Gonnerman (HHS) topped the 60+ and Barbara Robinson (GCS) won the 70+ category for the second consecutive year.

USATF New England Mountain running champions (500 possible points)

Women

Open: Nancy Cook, 461.17; 40+: Cook, 461.17; 50+: Lisa Doucett, CSU, 411.14; 60+: Elizabeth Gonnerman, HHS, 70.43; 70+: Barbara Robinson, GCST, 254.24

Men

Open: Justin Fyfee, GCST, 486.72; 40+: Dave Dunham, CMS, 462.20; 50+: Martin Tighe, TNT, 433.33; 60+: Alex Silverman, GSH, 335.74; 70+: Frank Hurt, WMM, 173.22

2007 La Sportiva USATF NEW ENGLAND

MOUNTAIN RUNNING CIRCUIT

The six race, USATF New England mountain running circuit wrapped up at the top of Mount Ascutney, Vermont, on July 15 with Paul Low (CMS) and Dawn Heinrich (PRMM) at the apex of the scoring charts. The top 5 scores were included in the totals.

Low (CMS) again was just one place away from a perfect circuit record; his second place finish at the Cranmore Hill Climb / USA Championship left him with a total of 499.74 points. Circuit founder Dave Dunham (CMS) was second overall as well as masters winner (472.87). The 60+ division was the closest for the men, with Peter Orni (CMS) edging Vincent Rivard (NMC) by less than 2 points. All three of those took their third consecutive series age group titles.

Women's winner Abby Woods (GSH) had to make every second count, edging masters winner and past Olympian in nordic skiing Dorcas Wonsavage (CSU) by a slim .3 points over the 5 race totaling. Lisa Doucett (CSU) continued dominance among the 50+ crowd.

USATF New England Mountain running champions (500 possible points)

Women

Open: Abby Woods, GSH, 452.73; 40+: Dorcas Wonsavage, CSU, 452.43; 50+: Lisa Doucett, CSU, 381.70; 60+: Carol Kane, WMAC, 72.67; 70+: Barbara Robinson, GCST, 247.66

Men

Open: Paul Low, CMS, 499.74; 40+: Dave Dunham, CMS, 472.89; 50+: Marty Ellowitz, CMS, 396.64; 60+: Peter Orni, CMS, 354.16; 70+: Paul McDermott, NMC, 260.49;

2006 CIRCUIT TOPPED BY LOW, HEINRICH

Nineteeen runners completed the full six race circuit, earning the distinction of being dubbed "Mountain Goats".

The USATF champions were determined by totaling points earned with the best five counting. The points were determined based on the finisher's percent behind the winner (Example: the winner runs 1:00:00 and Runner-X runs 2:00:00. Runner-X gets 50 points). Women scored based on the winning woman's time to give women equivalent scores to the men.

Low was just one place out of a perfect record, his 499.26 only off by a runner-up spot at Northfield. Dave Dunham, masters winner, had the 2nd highest score at 457.57; both were repeat winners. Closest division standing was the men's 50-59 group where Paul Bazanchuk was just over 4 points better than Len Hall; both battled through the full sixpack. Peter Orni and Richard Snyder led the 60+ and 70+ divisions, respectively.

In the women's ranks, Heinrich and Donna Smyth were 1-2 among masters as well as overall. Kate Naples was tops in the open division and third overall with 381.38 points in five attempts. Lisa Doucett took 50+ honors, and Carol Kane with a single race was atop the 60's. Scoring well - fourth overall - was 13 year old Haley Heinrich, the best junior total ever.

USATF New England Mountain running champions (500 possible points)

Women

Open: Kate Naples, CCAC, 381.38; 40+: Dawn Heinrich, PRMM 458.08; 50+: Lisa Doucett, CSU, 325.91; 60+: Carol Kane, WMAC, 79.55

Men

Open: Paul Low, CMS, 499.26; 40+: Dave Dunham, CMS, 457.67; 50+: Paul Bazanchuk, GSH, 391.13; 60+: Peter Orni, CMS, 341.53; 70+: Richard Snyder, GLRR, 142.77;

2005 CIRCUIT TOPPED BY LOW, WEST

The six race, USATF New England mountain running circuit wrapped up in North Conway with the August 7 running of the 18th annual Mt. Cranmore race, and found Paul Low (CMS) and Suzy West (CSU) at the summit of the scoring. More than 90 runners from 11 states and Canada raced over the up/down course featuring grades up to 20%.

Twenty-one runners completed all six races earning the distinction of being dubbed "Mountain Goats", and an additional 16 runners completed five races. The USATF champions were determined by totaling points earned with the best five counting. Points were determined based on the finisher's percent behind the winner (Example: the winner runs 1:00:00 and Runner-X runs 2:00:00. Runner-X gets 50 points). For the first time in the circuit's ten year history, women were scored based on the winning woman's time to give women equivalent scores to the men.

Many of the age group victories were close, going down to the last race. Low took the overall victory with 488.48 points, narrowly topping teammate Kevin Tilton who finished 9 points back. West was the top female point totaler as well as leader in the masters (age 40+) division. The 50+ men's age group was one of the deepest fields with the top seven runners within 80 points. Robert 'Doc' Chasen took the victory with 387.91 points.

A total of 109 USATF members scored points in 2005. Points and race finishes have been totaled since the first race in 1996. Eldon Burkinshaw (Gate City Striders) leads with 35 finishes out of 40 races and Donna Smyth (CSU) is the top woman with 28 finishes. Dave Dunham (CMS) leads the lifetime scoring with 3,166.92 points and Smyth leads the women's point parade with 1,958.15. Emer O'Donoghue (SRR) has a string of 24 straight finishes.

USATF New England Mountain running champions (500 possible points)

Women

Open: Kathy Hurst, unattached, 427.54; 40+: Suzy West, CSU, 473.49; 50+: Jacqueline Keith, NMC, 309.93; 60+: No competitors; 70+: Barbara Robinson, MMM, 71.01

Men

Open: Paul Low, CMS, 488.48; 40+: Dave Dunham, CMS, 439.81; 50+: Robert Chasen, Tri-Valley, 387.91; 60+: Peter Orni, CMS, 325.87; 70+: Paul McDermott, NMC, 186.25;

2004 CIRCUIT COMPLETE: FERENC, BRADLER TOP SCORERS

Series Summary

Mountain running newcomer Josh Ferenc (Keene NH) outdueled Kevin Tilton (CMS/Conway NH) to win the 2004 USATF New England Mountain Running Circuit. Each had a race win (with Paul Low taking two races), but the points earned by Ferenc in a 3-1 man-to-man match gave him the edge, 392.42-383.48.

Masters winner was Mark Pitts (Moose Milers) with 350.73, with top 50 runner Rob Higley (Western MA AC) not far back at 339.08. Acing the 60+ division was Eldon Burkinshaw (Gate City Striders) who not only was a grand slammer, but moved into the lead for all-time race appearances.

Women's winner was also the masters' master; Helen Bradler (MRM) scored 269.77 and was the top Goat as well. Open division winner Kelli Lusk (CMS) ran just 3 races in totalling 242.68 points, while Anne Kucharski was highest among W50's with 120.88 in two appearances.

New this year, the top three scorers from teams were totaled, and the Moose Milers and Marathoners upset CMS 1022 to 1009 points; Team Gloucester was top mixed team (at least 1 female), and CMS was the top women's team. 25 clubs were represented in the scoring, and 23 runners earned Mountain Goat status by completing all four events.

2004 circuit results

MORSE, WEST TOP OF THE HILL IN 2003 USATF-NE CIRCUIT

Green Mountain runners Eric Morse (CMS/Berlin VT) and Suzy West (CSU/Putney VT) are the king and queen of the hills, winning the 2003 USATF-NE Mountain Running Circuit following the Mt.Ascutney 3.8 mile hill run on June 28.

Morse won his fifth straight crown - and sixth in the circuit's 8 year history. He had two overall race wins, but if it's any consolation for his opponents, his 396.64 points were the lowest average total of his winning years. West won her second circuit title while also finishing as first master.

Also garnering repeat wins were Richard Stockdale, with a three-peat in the 50-59 division (and his fourth overall, having won the 40-49 division in 2000), and Anne Kucharski, with a repeat among the F50-59 crowd.

In the quest for the "Mountain Goat" award, 11 runners finished the full 5 race calendar, with 34 runners completing 4 of 5 races necessary for the special honors. Mountain running popularity grows, as 510 different runners finished at least one race. Only USATF members are eligible for circuit scoring.

2003 supporters and participating sponsors included: All American Trail Running Association (cash), Red Bull Energy Drink, BioFreeze, Nancy Hobbs / Adam Chase, and Running Times magazine (product).

USATF New England Mountain Series

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Annual recaps

Mountain circuit - Annual recaps

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