Sunday, December 28, 2008
So, we have come to the end of another year of running and racing, which means it is time for my annual "Best Of" awards. First, a few thank yous. Thank you to all the runners, race directors, sponsors, town officials, timing companies, spectators, etc., etc., etc.. It was another great year for the local running and triathlon community and one we can all be very proud of.
On a personal note, thank you to everyone for your kind words. I have been writing this column since 1995 and announcing at racing since 1996, but for some reason this was a year that you seemed to take notice. This year, I got more compliments than ever and I am extremely grateful. Again, thank you.
Now, on with the show. The envelopes, please.
MALE RUNNER OF THE YEAR — Jim Johnson, Salem. Johnson not only won the Seacoast Series, he finished first at other races, like the Delta Dental 5K in April and Christine's Crusade in December. The races he didn't win he usually finished in the top five.
FEMALE RUNNER OF THE YEAR — Heidi Westerling, Acworth. It started with her performance at the Olympic Marathon Trials in April when Westerling brought tremendous pride to N.H. running. In addition Westerling performed well at big N.H. races, like Market Square Day (first) and Cigna (first N.H. female).
MALE MASTER RUNNER OF THE YEAR (40 AND OVER) — Dan Verrington of Bradford, Mass. Verrington may reside in Massachusetts but he made New Hampshire his home for a lot of races in 2008. He has been a consistent participant and award-winner at Granite State races for a number of years and 2008 was no exception. Take a look at this year's results and you will see Verrington's name listed as one of our top masters.
FEMALE MASTER RUNNER OF THE YEAR — Joanne Dow, Manchester. No way Dow was going to be left out of this year's awards. She may be a race walker and her greatest accomplishment may have been thousands of miles away, but Dow made the Olympics at the age of 44. Oh yeah, she also ran a few N.H. races and was top female.
MALE SENIOR RUNNER OF THE YEAR — John Tuttle, Alton. Tuttle will be the first to admit he might be slowing down a bit but it didn't stop him from having another strong year, winning and placing at the top of many races.
FEMALE SENIOR RUNNER OF YEAR — Sin Kounlasa, Dover. No one, any age, ran more races and won more awards at more distances that Sin. Slam-dunk choice.
TRIATHLETE OF THE YEAR — This is a new category and has been added in recognition of the growth of triathlons in the area. So, Donny Mills of Exeter can tell his grandchildren that he was the first to win it. More importantly, he can tell his grandchildren that in 2008, no local triathlete won more awards or had as many top finishes
PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR — My awards, my rules, this year's choice has nothing to do with local races. In July Dow finished first at the 20K race-walking competition at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials. It was the single greatest moment by a member of the N.H. running community in years and brought tears to the eyes of many.
(Honorable mention goes to Alene Reta of New York City. He won the Cigna 5K in 14 minutes, two seconds, tying for second-fastest 5K in N.H. history).
Way to go, JJ--you're now at least the second most famous Jimmie Johnson in the sports world. And Dan, you're now an adopted son of the Granite State! Maybe when we restore the Old Man of the Mountain, your profile will be the model. On the other hand, neither one of you could outdo a racewalker for a coveted running award, so we have some work to do as a team...
