- Published on
by Ryan Goebel
Photo by Joe Viger.
Despite the miserable weather at this year's Mount Washington Road race, a moment was captured by the official race photographer that warmed the hearts of many runners across New England. In the days following the race, the photo shown above from Joe Viger seemed to go viral across various social media and traditional media channels.
Although Joe originally didn't know who the runners in the photo were, Laura Chadwick (wife of Chris Chadwick and mother to John McGinty) recognized the photo as being her son helping Ron Paquette up the mountain.
From Joe Viger's Facebook post:
Although Joe originally didn't know who the runners in the photo were, Laura Chadwick (wife of Chris Chadwick and mother to John McGinty) recognized the photo as being her son helping Ron Paquette up the mountain.
From Joe Viger's Facebook post:
The photo was shared by many media outlets, including this segment on WMUR in Manchester, NH.
Even the Boston Globe ran an article about the photo that included an interview with John and Ron.
Unfortunately, the Boston Globe article is behind a paywall and due to copyright laws, we can't reproduce the story here. However, here's an excerpt:
Unfortunately, the Boston Globe article is behind a paywall and due to copyright laws, we can't reproduce the story here. However, here's an excerpt:
When McGinty and Paquette saw that Viger had captured the moment on the mountain, they were astounded. The response to the photo has been overwhelming, with many people reaching out in recent days.
“The picture shows that you don’t have to do hard things alone,” McGinty said. “There’s a team around you, and people willing to lend a hand.”
Paquette wonders what would have happened to him had McGinty not run to his aid. The photo, he said, will forever serve as a reminder of how McGinty helped him “accomplish something that made it special for both of us.”
“This means so much to me,” he said.
“The picture shows that you don’t have to do hard things alone,” McGinty said. “There’s a team around you, and people willing to lend a hand.”
Paquette wonders what would have happened to him had McGinty not run to his aid. The photo, he said, will forever serve as a reminder of how McGinty helped him “accomplish something that made it special for both of us.”
“This means so much to me,” he said.
The Central Maine Striders are proud to have had Ron Paquette representing us in the Mount Washington Road Race for so many years, and for John McGinty to run for us for the last five years. We hope they both make several more trips up the "one hill".
For some bonus content, check out this video interview (recently unearthed by Julie Millard) that Central Maine Strider Erzsie Nagy did with Ron Paquette when they were a Lawrence High School student back in 2012:
- Published on
by Mark Fisher
It was a great but highly variable weather day on the mountain for this year's edition of the Mount Washington Road Race. A very successful day for the Central Maine Striders and a milestone year for two of our teammates.
Friday started with our team volunteering to support the parking process for Registration. I want to thank Linda Fisher for her leadership on site as I was unable to make it to the mountain on time. The team was well represented and did a stellar job in allowing 5 CMS Team members to get into the field despite not “winning” the lottery. Special thanks to the following for volunteering on behalf of the club:
Linda Fisher
Dawn Gee
Mike Lansing
Sylvia Ryan
Martha Nadeau
Dawn Gee
Friday started with our team volunteering to support the parking process for Registration. I want to thank Linda Fisher for her leadership on site as I was unable to make it to the mountain on time. The team was well represented and did a stellar job in allowing 5 CMS Team members to get into the field despite not “winning” the lottery. Special thanks to the following for volunteering on behalf of the club:
Linda Fisher
Dawn Gee
Mike Lansing
Sylvia Ryan
Martha Nadeau
Dawn Gee
The Race:
The day started with the new starting configuration around the pond instead of the downhill pitch starting line close to Route 16. The temperature and precipitation for the first 90 minutes or so of the race was cool, misty and pretty comfortable. Those conditions deteriorated rapidly around mile 5 to the finish complete with dense fog, strong winds of ~20-40 MPH and driving rain. The conditions toward the top were challenging to say the least. To finish any year is a massive accomplishment but this year's conditions made it all the more difficult.
Central Maine Striders 2023 Finishers:
Dawn Gee
Mike Lansing
Martha Nadeau
Sylvia Ryan
Peter Leone
Mark Fisher
Dean Rasmussen (1st in Age Group)
Ron Paquette (2nd in Age Group)
Chris Chadwick
Patrick Guerette
John McGinty (5th in Age Group)
Jon Chapin
Full results can be found at:
http://www.iresultslive.com/?op=overall&eid=5660
The day started with the new starting configuration around the pond instead of the downhill pitch starting line close to Route 16. The temperature and precipitation for the first 90 minutes or so of the race was cool, misty and pretty comfortable. Those conditions deteriorated rapidly around mile 5 to the finish complete with dense fog, strong winds of ~20-40 MPH and driving rain. The conditions toward the top were challenging to say the least. To finish any year is a massive accomplishment but this year's conditions made it all the more difficult.
Central Maine Striders 2023 Finishers:
Dawn Gee
Mike Lansing
Martha Nadeau
Sylvia Ryan
Peter Leone
Mark Fisher
Dean Rasmussen (1st in Age Group)
Ron Paquette (2nd in Age Group)
Chris Chadwick
Patrick Guerette
John McGinty (5th in Age Group)
Jon Chapin
Full results can be found at:
http://www.iresultslive.com/?op=overall&eid=5660
- Published on
by Billy Kobin
Photo by Humane Society Waterville Area.
Dozens of dogs and humans made the inaugural 5K Woof Run a doggone success.
The June 10 run kicked off the daylong Woofstock festival held outside the Waterville Area Humane Society, with proceeds benefiting the organization and its vital work with animals.
Central Maine Striders played a key part in organizing the Woof Run, with a big thanks to race director Lindsey Madison, Ron Peck and Emiko Peck for checking in runners and walkers along with their furry companions and ensuring the 5K went off smoothly.
Members Billy Kobin and Heather Cable also were the top two finishers. Other Striders joined in the fun with Stephanie Dodson (running with her pup Sierra) finishing as 3rd place female. Emiko Peck and Gi Reed also ran strong races on the Saturday morning.
- Published on
Calling all animal lovers! Join us for a pawsitively awesome 5k race supporting the Humane Society Waterville Area!
Are you ready to lace up your running shoes and make a difference for our furry friends? The Central Maine Striders are excited to co-sponsor the Waterville Humane Society's upcoming 5k charity race on Saurday, June 10th. Not only will you have a blast, but you'll also be helping a fantastic cause. This race supports the Waterville Area Humane Society's efforts to provide shelter, care, and loving homes for countless animals in need. Every stride you take will contribute to their vital mission and help improve the lives of our beloved four-legged companions. The 5k course will be an out-and-back on scenic country roads starting from the HSWA shelter on Webb Road. If your canine running partner is road savy and dog friendly, you are encouraged to race with them!
Are you ready to lace up your running shoes and make a difference for our furry friends? The Central Maine Striders are excited to co-sponsor the Waterville Humane Society's upcoming 5k charity race on Saurday, June 10th. Not only will you have a blast, but you'll also be helping a fantastic cause. This race supports the Waterville Area Humane Society's efforts to provide shelter, care, and loving homes for countless animals in need. Every stride you take will contribute to their vital mission and help improve the lives of our beloved four-legged companions. The 5k course will be an out-and-back on scenic country roads starting from the HSWA shelter on Webb Road. If your canine running partner is road savy and dog friendly, you are encouraged to race with them!
Big thanks to Strider Lindsey Madison, who is coordinating the club's participation in organizing this event. If you are interesting in volunteering, please reach out to Lindsey at lmadison13@gmail.com.
This event is part of Humane Society Waterville Area's Woofstock and following the race there will be the Canine Carnival at 12:30 and Music Festival at 4pm.
Date: June 10th
Time: Race Registration 9:30 - 10:20 am
Race starts at 10:30 am
Location: HSWA, 100 Webb Rd Waterville, ME
$15 for CMS members, $20 for general public
More Information about Woofstock-2023:
https://hswa.org/event/woofstock-2023/
This event is part of Humane Society Waterville Area's Woofstock and following the race there will be the Canine Carnival at 12:30 and Music Festival at 4pm.
Date: June 10th
Time: Race Registration 9:30 - 10:20 am
Race starts at 10:30 am
Location: HSWA, 100 Webb Rd Waterville, ME
$15 for CMS members, $20 for general public
More Information about Woofstock-2023:
https://hswa.org/event/woofstock-2023/
- Published on
In 2021 I competed in my first TUCARD, Maine’s most Terrifically (& Unnecessarily) Complicated Adventure Race and Duathalon. You can read that race report HERE if you want to understand the next few paragraphs of this write up. Or better yet, google the TUCARD website.
In 2022, the organizers changed things up. This year participants were given starting and ending points, and a list of coordinates that MIGHT be waypoints on race day. This was a bonus for me, as I’m largely unfamiliar with the Old Town area and being able to scout the actual locations was extremely helpful. The night before race day we were given our final instructions- in order to know which locations were official waypoints, we could go to the point furthest from the start to visit ‘The Oracle’ who would provide the correct list of waypoints. Option two was to skip The Oracle and just visit as many points as possible with the hope of hitting the right ones- this could be a big time saver or a wild goose chase. The third option was to go to a point that was the furthest from the start in the opposite direction and get a ‘Golden Ticket’ which would allow you to skip all other waypoints. The Golden Ticket would require wading through a mucky wetland, but could get you across the finish line first. At this point in my narrative you may be thinking that this explanation makes no sense- I will refer you back to the race name…
In the 2021 TUCARD I earned the award title ‘Lost Puppy’, as the racer that covered the most distance. In honor of my difficulties with Time and Relative Distance in Space during that race, I donned my TARDIS dress for this race (see photo). The race went smoothly for me- I chose The Oracle option, and was happy to see that I was well prepared to hit the correct waypoints. My primary transport was an old mountain bike, but I also ran some stretches of rough single track and paddled across the Stillwater River.
Finish time in the TUCARD requires a complicated formula based on racing surface and mode of transport. In the end I was 18th across the finish line, but ranked 17th overall (out of 21, a mix of teams and individuals). This year I also earned the title of Puppy Dog- the racer who had the most fun- thanks to running the whole thing in the TARDIS dress.
I believe that I am the only Central Maine Strider to enter this race- it's a ton of fun and I encourage you to check it out when you are planning your 2023 racing season!
In 2022, the organizers changed things up. This year participants were given starting and ending points, and a list of coordinates that MIGHT be waypoints on race day. This was a bonus for me, as I’m largely unfamiliar with the Old Town area and being able to scout the actual locations was extremely helpful. The night before race day we were given our final instructions- in order to know which locations were official waypoints, we could go to the point furthest from the start to visit ‘The Oracle’ who would provide the correct list of waypoints. Option two was to skip The Oracle and just visit as many points as possible with the hope of hitting the right ones- this could be a big time saver or a wild goose chase. The third option was to go to a point that was the furthest from the start in the opposite direction and get a ‘Golden Ticket’ which would allow you to skip all other waypoints. The Golden Ticket would require wading through a mucky wetland, but could get you across the finish line first. At this point in my narrative you may be thinking that this explanation makes no sense- I will refer you back to the race name…
In the 2021 TUCARD I earned the award title ‘Lost Puppy’, as the racer that covered the most distance. In honor of my difficulties with Time and Relative Distance in Space during that race, I donned my TARDIS dress for this race (see photo). The race went smoothly for me- I chose The Oracle option, and was happy to see that I was well prepared to hit the correct waypoints. My primary transport was an old mountain bike, but I also ran some stretches of rough single track and paddled across the Stillwater River.
Finish time in the TUCARD requires a complicated formula based on racing surface and mode of transport. In the end I was 18th across the finish line, but ranked 17th overall (out of 21, a mix of teams and individuals). This year I also earned the title of Puppy Dog- the racer who had the most fun- thanks to running the whole thing in the TARDIS dress.
I believe that I am the only Central Maine Strider to enter this race- it's a ton of fun and I encourage you to check it out when you are planning your 2023 racing season!
- Published on
by Ryan Goebel
To kick off the summer racing season, the Central Maine Striders will be hosting a pizza party following the first Quarry Road trail race of the summer. Stick around after the 3k race on June 20th for some pizza and socializing. If the weather isn't accommodating for eating pizza outside, we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule for another date.
Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pizza-on-white-ceramic-plate-5903101/
- Published on
by Ryan Goebel
We've recently purchased a limited number of custom Central Maine Striders socks. As discussed at recent club meetings, these socks will be given to any Central Maine Strider member who volunteers at an event. The member must be representing the Striders at the event they volunteer for. Examples of qualifying events include the Ironman 70.3 Maine, high school track meets (if and only if they are there as a Strider, and not just as a parent or coach), Quarry Road Summer Race Series, Fall Classic 10k, etc. If you aren't sure if whether your volunteer duties qualify you for a pair of socks, please contact us. Also, the socks will be limited to one pair per membership. We only have 25 pairs of crew socks and 25 pairs of ankle socks.
- Published on
By Julie Millard, Ryan Goebel, and ChatGPT
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-woman-tying-her-white-sneakers-on-running-track-3763869/
The Central Maine Striders are excited to announce our new High School Outreach Committee, focused on supporting local high school cross country and indoor/outdoor track runners in Central Maine. As a community-oriented running club, we believe in the importance of fostering young talent and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. To that end, we are reaching out to local coaches for ways that we can support their athletes. Examples could include assistance with the purchase of running gear, discounted race entry fees, and volunteers for track meets. We hope that this initiative will provide high school runners in our area with the resources they need to achieve their running goals. Martha Nadeau will lead the committee, but we encourage all members of our club to participate and contribute to this effort, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact that we can make together.
- Published on
Calling all Striders!
Many club members volunteered at the Ironman 70.3 Maine in Augusta last year and some actually COMPETED in the event (Go Andrew Catalina!). This year, we have decided to formalize our volunteering participation in order to secure a grant from the corporation to support our club. If you are available on July 30, 2023, then please consider volunteering for the event under the Central Maine Striders umbrella. It is likely that we will be working the swim leg, where we will get to see sunrise from the beautiful Kennebec River. Please reach out to Martha Nadeau (Veggie60@roadrunner.com) and Julie Millard (jtmillar@colby.edu) for more information about the event.
Many club members volunteered at the Ironman 70.3 Maine in Augusta last year and some actually COMPETED in the event (Go Andrew Catalina!). This year, we have decided to formalize our volunteering participation in order to secure a grant from the corporation to support our club. If you are available on July 30, 2023, then please consider volunteering for the event under the Central Maine Striders umbrella. It is likely that we will be working the swim leg, where we will get to see sunrise from the beautiful Kennebec River. Please reach out to Martha Nadeau (Veggie60@roadrunner.com) and Julie Millard (jtmillar@colby.edu) for more information about the event.
- Published on
By Martha Nadeau
According to the race organizers:
"THIS SCENIC COURSE ON THE ST. GEORGE PENINSULA BEGINS AT DRIFT INN BEACH IN PORT CLYDE. IT OFFERS SOME FANTASTIC VIEWS OF THE MAINE COAST AS IT WINDS ITS WAY TOWARDS THE LIGHTHOUSE, DOWN THROUGH THE VILLAGE OF PORT CLYDE, AND ENDING BACK AT DRIFT INN BEACH".
This annual race is located just south of Rockland/Thomaston, for those not familiar with the area. After a 1-1/2 drive from my house, the small parking lot had already been filled and I had to locate parking on the road, which isn't easy to find since the road is fairly narrow. Having done this race before, I was aware this might be the case and allowed some extra time. Snagging a prime spot, I head to the folding table set-up in the small dirt parking lot, to register. Registration can be done ahead, by printing out the form and sending a check for $15 or on race day for $20, between 7:30-8:30. T-shirts were guaranteed, if registered ahead, but I lucked out and there were choices available to me. This parking lot is also where the port-o-potties are located. TMI? I don't think so.
Following the kids fun run, at 8:30, the 5k starts at Drift Inn Beach, heading uphill, taking a left turn up and down the hilly road to the amazing turnaround that is Marshall Point lighthouse (cue Forrest Gump-yep, the lighthouse from the movie). While the turn stops short of the lighthouse, itself (because it would be a nightmare for all those runners to crowd the walkway out and back-and selfies?-who could resist that opportunity? The race would come to a standstill.) We take a turn around an orange cone, and with the ocean on our side, we head back down and then another uphill, taking a left that opens to a view of the Port Clyde waterfront, and a nice recovery downhill to take in the scene. Passing the Monhegan ferry terminal and the ice cream store, the right turn takes us through a quinessential Maine small town. Yep, the Post Office is decorated with lobster traps. A last right turn, with a brief, but brutal uphill, leads back downhill to the finish line, where the volunteers record times with pen and paper. This year I wanted the whole experience, so I ran the lowtide flats, to jump into the ocean. After everyone had finished, awards were handed out and prizes given to fastest overall and age group winners.
It is a must to go to the lighthouse and visit the museum. If you have patience, you may even get a picture alone at the lighthouse.
This race is part of an annual festival, complete with yard sale and cornhole tournament. Details will be available on their website (but not easily found) at www.stgeorgemaine.com and on Facebook at St George Parks & Rec.
