The Eliot Festival Days 5k, Eliot, ME, September 25, 2004

You know it's fall when Eliot comes around, though the weather on Saturday was warmer than most days we had in July this year. This race keeps getting bigger and better, with 915 finishers and absolutely impeccable organization.

Though this is typically a "taper for a time" sort of race, Reach the Beach was only one week prior this year, and those of us that ran it certainly felt the difference. Still, when faced with two races back to back that are this good, there's really nothing left to do but run them both.

Wes Lassen was the top Team Gloucester runner, finishing 40th overall in 17:37. Jenn Brooks Lassen was next, sqeaking under 19 minutes with a time of 18:57. Brooks was 11th female (same as last year, though more than 40 seconds slower) and 62nd overall. Team Gloucester buddy Steve McCaffrey nearly ran Brooks down, and claims he would have if a well meaning spectator hadn't yelled at just the wrong time. McCaffrey was 71st overall in 19:01. Rick Ciolino was next to cross the line, finishing 80th in 19:17. After Ciolino came Dave Geary, running 19:41 for 93rd place. Team Gloucester buddy #2, Stacey Lane, was just a step behind, finishing 95th in 19:47.

The race and food continue to impress, and we look forward to returning (hopefully well rested) next year.