Sunday, Oct. 26,2003. 14th Annual Mayor's Cup Cross Country Races
Franklin Park, Boston, MA. Judson writes: Well we didn't run very well, but we could have run a lot worse. We went out smart and ran the first mile in 5:04 together, then passed hordes of runners. But when we got to 2 miles in only 10:22 and 3 in just under 16 minutes, Evan turned to me and said we are running slow. We finished in 68th and 84th places running 26:15, and 26:42. A lot of runners were whining about the wind, but I think Evan and I just didn't have a good day. We both felt flat, especially me. But if we run in the 26 range on a bad day I guess that isn't to bad. It's just disappointing to travel so far and not run your best, but I also think that a lot of runners give up running because of days like we had today, and that's stupid. We know we are a lot better.

Saturday, October 25, 2003. At the 5th Annual Halloween Kids Fun & 5k Races 36 kids participate including a good part of the Connors' school's Class of 2014 (a preview of an XC threat?). Ian Fraser and Bobbi Colket win 5K. Race Director Peter J. Keeney writes: The weather cooperated and the rain stayed away day was perfect for a refreshing fall run. Beth Lawson timed and everyone pitched in where it was needed. Every kid enjoyed something to eat and drink after the run, and all the participants received an authentic MDI Marathon Medal, a goody bag, and a finishing certificate their efforts. Hope to see you all next Halloween! Special Thanks to the following: The First Express Copy Service, Bonnie at Ben & Bills, All Fired Up- Make Your Own Pottery, Tahini’s Mediterranean Bistro, The Two Cats Bed & Breakfast, Beth Lawson,Leah Rae Donohue, Judy Blake & Mary, Bonnie & John Murphy, Robert & Traci Hetzer, Gary Allen, Kevin Johnson, Dan Smith, Evan Graves, Judson Cake, Karen Keeney, Paul Devore, MDI YMCA, Town of Bar Harbor Police, Scott & Town of Bar Harbor Highway Dept., Crow Athletics Club, and anyone I may have missed.

Oct 19, 2003. At the MDI Marathon, race director Gary Allen dunks another one, pulling perfect running weather for over 400 finishers out of an ominous forecast a few days earlier for mixed precipitation. 2003 Results. With 2:34:24, last year's winner David Herr repeats and improves on his last year record of 2:34:31. Tom St. Germain, after chasing front runner hard hangs on to settle for 3:02 and the reward of 11th. Top woman Lara Judson, with 3:07:03, improves by ten minutes over last year and sets new record. Crow murder of Steve Calder, Peter Palmer, and Brian Hubbell close in sequence under 3:15. Chris Torrey, both before and after, is impressive in his marathon debut. Jeff Nichols also improves on his previous year. Catlin Kennedy takes 3rd in age group. Islesford runners Eve Harrison and Amy Philbrook make 4:00 goal along with Mary Dudzik. Veterans Kevin Johnson and John Rolfe hang tough while, after a season of dedicated training, John Murphy suffers a disappointing setback from stomach ailment. Veteran Beth Lawson helps pace new marathoner Cathleen Lutz to 4:18 with Judy Blake filling in with a strong finish under 4:30. Paul Woodfin, Rick Hirte, and Craig Murphy follow shortly after. First-time marathoner Leah Rae Donahue places in her age group while Sydney Rockefeller takes the top spot in hers. Also note that 12-year-old Baby Crow paced her mother Suzanne Sulllivan on the course for nine miles.

The Crow News Editor writes: Under what many described as perfect cool marathon weather conditions, 402 runners from 33 states and four countries finished the second Mount Desert Island Marathon on Sunday, October 19, 2003, starting from the village green in Bar Harbor and traversing Mount Desert Island's rocky coastline and rolling hills, and finishing in downtown Southwest Harbor. Last year's winner David Herr, 38, from Canaan, VT returned to repeat his win, managing to shave seven seconds off the course record with his finishing time of 2:34:24. Hometown Bar Harbor runner Lara Judson, 22, was the top female, outpacing many hardened veteran marathoners through this notoriously hilly course, and finishing with a time of 3:07:03, taking ten minutes off her own time from last year and eclipsing the record of 3:09:42 set last year by New Hampshire's Kim Pursley-Goff. Nine runners, including repeater 56-year-old Bob Sholl of Scarborough, broke three hours this year. Island residents turned out in force this year to cheer and assist as the number of orange-shirted race volunteers nearly equaled the number of runners. Reflecting the idiosyncratic charm of this event, once again a silent auction of original art mile-marking banners by area artists helped raised money for the Mount Desert Island High School's music boosters. While most runners entered expecting a tough course, many runners were happily surprised by their times. "A tough course, but fair," seemed to be a common consensus. A lot of people commented afterward that they liked that the race had both incredible scenery and a small town feeling while still having the roadside support and tight organization of a big-time race.
--2003 MDI Marathon complete results
--View the Mount Desert Islander's Marathon photo gallery and
--read Craig Crosby's article.
--Bar Harbor Times report

Race Comments:

Chris T. writes: OK, I am just waking up (7:30pm). I am so sorry I missed all the events tonight and the chance to hang out with the poeple who helped me so much in my training. To all of you, thank you... The only reason I was able to do this was thanks to the help and preperation given to me from many CROW'S. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I am going to go back to bed, might have overdone it today! You all are great and I so appreciate all you have done for me! Oh, when do we start for next year?

Brian responds: Chris, here's a bit of what you missed this evening. Note Steve Calder's age group award on table. 3:33 and 7th in your age group is awesome for your first marathon! You earned that nap. Congratulations!

Judson responds: Great job Chris, you looked like you had given it all and then some. It was very exciting watching many of you run the times you had wanted. As for Oct. 17th 2004, I'm starting my training tomorrow.

Frank N. writes: gary how much better could it be where ever i look i find supreme results. st germaine-sub-3?! what arace islesford sub four easy!!400 finishers!!!! BE PROUD BE CROW.

Suzanne writes: I just want to say thank you for the incredible kindness shown to me at the finish line of the marathon today. You all helped to make a broken heart feel better. My race report is finally on the RW Beginners Forum. [Ed.'s note: along with Suzanne's friend's report]

Larry A responds: Suzanne, Nicely said on the post! The only marathon I started without nerves was my biggest failure. I think the marathon insists on respect for those 26+ miles every time out and butterflies in the stomach is your body preparing itself for the effort it takes to complete the distance. It can be easy to forget how hard it is to complete a marathon (until you reach about 22 miles). The difficulties this year will re-inspire your efforts over the next 12 months and you will go to the starting line next year prepared and yes a bit nervous, you should look forward to the those butterflies! Good luck with your preparations!

Brian writes: All I can do is thank Gary, not only for the excellence of his race organization but also for his careful pacing advice which worked wonders for me on my fifth marathon. After starting (almost) exactly as conservatively as I'd planned, I ran the second half almost three minutes faster than the first. I owe a great debt also to Chris Almy who, after pacing with me from 6 to 19 (all the while blocking any headwind, conscientiously screening traffic, and holding the inside lane open for me), leaped back in, stiff legs and all, where I was starting to flag at the top of the 23-24 hill and whipped me up to 7:00 pace for the last two miles. It was exhilarating to climb up through the field during the second half and I'd like to think that if the race had been a mile longer, I might have caught Pete Palmer and Steve Calder. But I know them both as runners well enough to know that I'd be fooling myself. Good job you two! I was proud to finish behind you both. Special thanks also to Evan for the literal support through the chute.

Larry A. responds: Hey Brian, the handy little age equivalent calculator says your 3:14:44 at age 47 is worth a 2:57 and change at age 25! Somebody with 5 minutes to spare ought to convert all the crow results to see how they'd stack up if all were 25![BTW, re that finish] check out the cool running website posting about the race (nice).

Kevin writes: I would like to echo Brian and send out a public thanks to Gary and Larry! I have said before that having a marathon on the island is a dream come true for me - I think I have run 23 now since my first in 94. The fact that the race is such a high quality event really need acknowledgement. The Allen brothers should feel very proud of their accomplishment. My race, well I discovered a direct correlation between training (or lack of) and time on the course. I will try to use this knowledge as incentive this winter getting ready for Boston.

John R. writes: just amazing. Gary, for your second superhuman effort, and Larry, and the Crows, and everyone up there in Paradise who helped – a thousand thank-yous. what a gift you have given so many people. Brian, well done!!! sub-7s at the finish!!! yikes!!! Chris, a most excellent debut!!! and John M. has continued a tradition he began last year, gliding past me around mile 17.

Eve writes: Gary and his A-team, Crows, Bag-Ladies...Yesterday,after The one and only, compared to which there is no other,MDI Marathon, I was asked what kind of group the Crows were. I almost couldn't find the proper words to describe what The Crows were all about... support, cheerleading, comraderie, sharing goals, experience, successes, and those other things we call learning experiences which oft leave us a little flat, but above all, a group of courageous people who are willing to step into the fire and risk getting burned. I've learned more in this life from those that have burned and learned, and you can't earn your blackbelt without it. So Lead On, Crows!! You are all angels in disguise.

Suzanne responds: Eve,...Uh, by the way.... You ROCKED on Sunday! Congratulations!

Rick H. writes: Ah! The Morning after. Aches, pains, exhaustion, endless mental replays of the day before, the satisfaction of succeeding at something difficult, and the joy of making new friends. There simply is nothing else like it.

Gary writes: My only thought is, anything worth anything is worth doing to the best of your abilities. You all deserve a pat on the back for your outstanding efforts along the long road they call a marathon. Having trod that path a couple of times myself I was as anxious as a new dad in the delivery room just watching, waiting, pacing, and knowing exactly what you all were feeling out there. I can't quite figure out why we run marathons but on the other hand I can't see any reason not to. Honestly, I've stopped looking for reasons...but have come to many important conclusions in those miles. If I may be so bold to quote Joan-Benoit Samuelson who once said "I'd rather burn out than rust" I couldn't agree more! Enjoy your stiff muscles they are reminders of your superb efforts! I hope to get some to match yours in a couple of weeks.

Steve C. writes: Gary, Only since I have run a few marathons, volunteered at a couple, and seen you in action can I appreciate what an event you have pulled off. Truly thanks. Good luck in two weeks. Congratulations to all of us that participated and volunteered. I look forward to next year's event and next year's training runs with the Crow's. I'm envious of your island and wish I didn't live almost 5 hours away. I love running MDI.

Dan writes: This was my first experience watching a marathon and helping out at the water stop and the finish. What a class act! You guys Rock!

Larry A. writes: the drive back to NY the day after the marathon has gotten to be a tradition for me... arrived at my apt at about 7pm and discovered the street closed off for a night time movie shoot of some kind. I saw two workmen and asked what was going on and learned that they were filming a segment of hbo's sex and the city and that among the 200 workers the two I met were elevator repairmen called out in case anyone got trapped in an elevator.. (only in ny) anyway, after 9 days on the island a bit of culture shock to say the least! Congrats to all crows, both those who ran and those who worked to make the marathon possible in the "real world this year. We had a LOT go right in the marathon, a few speed bumps but Gary literally had meetings yesterday with local and state officials working on 2004. He'll need help during the whole year and I am sure that with the growth of the crows in every way it will only be a better race... I hate to even suggest this but as the race grows it may be necessary for some crows to pay mr. rolfe a visit for 26 miles around the city to the south a couple of weeks ahead of 2004 thus enabling more crow involvement in their own home grown event..I promise you that the vicarious pleasure of watching and assiting others complete a hometown race is almost as good as running it, not to mention beating the chickadees in their hometown race and then conducting a better race on the island 2weeks later. (the other option is to enter NYC and let me host a crow convention in the big apple 2 weeks after MDI 04). The crows are small but mighty. For those who missed it, a stuffed toy crow appeared at the finish line at about 6hr mark and a "real" crow promptly landed in the tree overhanging the finish line and for about 15 minutes let all of us know that he/she wasn't particularly happy seeming a family member mounted on a stick!

Craig M. writes: I can't wait for 2004. I got back to Boston and called my nephew, who ran with me in 2002 in order to check "doing a marathon" off his life list. I told him how crazy he'd been to miss it and he agreed. So he'll be trying for the first "Indiana" rock next year. (My buddy, Stephen Gill, actually did get the "Ontario" rock.). Anyway, it sure is the best. One of the high points was seeing Peter at mile 21! But next year, I think we need to make sure that all those fast crows are out there on the course!

Judy B writes: What a great marathon...the weather was fine and the support outstanding. I'm reporting in for the four women who met each week here at the Lab to support each other; we all finished the marathon and are happy and well. I ran along early one with someone who was going a mite faster than I had planned to go...and so I faded at the end. But still I was 23 minutes faster than last year and not half as sore. I'll continue to learn how to pace myself. Joyce Peterson was very pleased with her first marathon, and ran just her goal pace the whole way; some weeks ago she was discouraged of ever accomplishing this. Leah Rae Donohue, another first time marathoner, was sick at mile 15 from too much Goo and going out too fast at the start, but rather than turn right when she hit Eagle Lake road and heading home, she continued on and finished better than she had hoped and 2nd in her age class. Finally, Cathy Lutz ran her first marathon really fine...slower for the first half, and flying in at the end. Thanks for all the support; we'll be back next year.

And Steve Calder submits this race report.

Oct 12, 2003. Peter K writes: News from the Trail is this past Sunday October 12th Monroe,MA.- David Herr continues his run at the NE Series trail events by winning the Dunbar Brook Ten Miler in 1:16 and change outdistancing the Schmitt brothers Keith & Leigh by a minute or so. Rob Higley (MA,.49 yrs. old.) runs a course record 1:18:51 about two minutes under Tom Buckley's (CT.) 1:20:former record for the 40-49 age category which has stood for several years. For those of you interested in tracking us trail guys David Herr,VT. is set to go at the MDI Marathon as well as Paul Young,MA the winner of the Breakneck 20k Trail Race on October 5th in CT. who is also slated to run at the MDI Marathon this Sunday. These guys love the hills so look out! Also, Maine contingent has a great show at the Dunbar Brook Trail Race including Susan Melcher ( winner at Great Pond the Week on October 5th in a new course record.) Susan finishes second overall in the women's category in 1:37. Behind Deb Livingston's 1:31 and change.) Sheryl Wheeler, of N.Y. state was the third overall. Look for Susan's name at future events. Other Mainers finishing were Tom Swan and Peter Keeney. Results are on the www.runwmac.com web site.

Oct 11, 2003. Evan and Judson seventh at MDI Triathlon. Sharyn Kingma, Audie Bridges, and David Painter place in iron person age groups. Tom St. Germain and Mary Dudzik make strong showings on teams. Judson writes: Well our triathalon experience was one to remember. Right when we got there and tried to put my bike on the rack we got yelled at by some biker riding on his indoor trainer saying that was his spot. I simply said, I don't give a shit where my bike goes, I just want it on the rack and put it somewhere else while making a note in my mind that I'm going to kick that guys ass in the race.. The amount of lance armstrong wannabees was pretty impressive, but looking the part and playing it are two different things. It was a good laugh watching 20 guys warmup on indoor trainers on the side of the road. It was like being in the YMCA. Evan had some stiff competition in the 4.2 mile run. He averaged 5:10 pace on the very challenging course while getting 4th behind Derek Treawell(nike farm team), Justin Easter(Subura x-c ski team), and Nolan Tobey who won the murry keatinge invite last year. From there I took over on the 13 mile bike ride and only managed to lose a couple spots coming in tied for 6th and averaging 21.4 miles an hour, but not bad for not biking since biking along with the MDI marathoners last fall. Our kayak guys held off lots of good paddlers and we ended up 7th overall, but with a time that would have won the thing outright any other year they've had it. [Read Craig Crosby's report in the Mount Desert Islander.]
Oct 10. MDI XC teams take 2nd in Hancock Country Championship

Oct 8, 2003. Suzanne writes: After two terrible races, CeCelia came back strong to win at the NEH Gatehouse meet today. I think the course was 1.7 mi, and she finished in 11:44 which works out to a 6:54 pace? She also told me that she thinks she puts too much pressure on herself because she worries...but she also said she tries to use this pressure to her advantage. Pretty wise for 12 years old..... I'm so proud! My girl kicked a$$!

Oct 5. Evan Graves and Judson Cake tear it up at Ro-jacks 5 Miler in Attleboro MA respectively they finished 22nd and 25th overall in a field laced with international talent. Their times were 25:18 and 25:25. For you mathematicians out there that is 5:04 and 5:05 pace per mile! They were the 2nd and 3rd Mainers to finish with Andy Spaulding 25:10 of Freeport narrowly beating them to the line. They ran as part of MA based Athletics East team which finished 3rd overall in the team competition. We all know where their true team loyalties are though!

Oct 5. Steve Calder runs 1:30:21 at Maine Half Marathon, Paul Woodfin 1:48. John Rolfe runs an excellent 3:43:06 at the Maine Marathon

Sunday, October 5: 8th annual Great Pond Mountain Trail Run.

Race director John Hunt writes: The course faired fairly well from the high winds and heavy rains of the night before. Meet director, John Hunt, had to straighten up some directional signs and redo some ground markers but that was all. The day was cool and overcast during the races but turned sunny and warm for the awards ceremony.

In the 1.5 mile Primer race the men's and women's course record was broken by Brandon Lawrence of Holden and Eve Jordon of Eddington respectively.Seventy one year old Robert Dodge toured the course and placed 12th out of 13 runners. Dodge, a summer resident of Orland but hails from Michigan has either run , walked, or helped prepare the courses since it's inception.

In the 5.5 mile main event Susan Melcher, last year's women's winner and course record holder, returned to defend her title. and she did it in fine fashion by breaking her own course record again and winning the womens devision. It should be pointed out that Patricia Craig of Holden although was second behind Melcher, ran under the previous course record too.
Peter Keeney made it a hat trick by winning his third Great Pond Mountian Trail Race in 37:21. He coasted fairly comfortably and was cautious of the wet rocks on the mountain. Thirty five runners completed the course.

Oct 4. MDI X-C 3rd at Belfast Festival of Champions.