Home Edenometer Calendar Results Maps & Routes Training EA/JR Race Series Members Contact
Home » forum » Anonymous message

Bangor Five Mile Road Race (1970)

Annual Bangor 5-Mile Road Race Today

RK Notes - Bangor Daily News, September 7, 1970. Pre-Race Article reports girls interested in running for the first time. It wasn’t until 1972 did Robin Voelker (Robin Emery) would compete.

A field of some 30 runners is expected to answer the starter’s gun today at 2 o’clock for the eighth annual Bangor five-mile road race.

The event starts in front of the Paul Bunyan statue on Main Street and ends in front of the grandstand at Bass Park.

While only 12 had submitted applications to the sponsoring Bangor Recreation Department post entries are expected to bring up the field.

Expected to be on hand to defend his record and victories over the past few years is Bob Hillgrove of Rockland. He set the mark two years ago. 27:17.3.

Trophies will go to eight of the contestants along with ribbons and medals. Awards go to the first five finishers, first Bangor resident, first high school runner and first over 40 years old.

The race route is along Main Street to Railroad, Summer, Washington, Exchange and Harlow Streets to Valley Avenue up 14th Street to Union. West Broadway and along Buck Street to Bass Park via the Main Street gait.

The event may take on a new appearance this year. Race Director Jack Wise reports queries have been received from girls and if they enter, it will be the first time.

Entries must report at the Bangor Auditorium by 1 pm. The event is open to all over 18 years and they must be registered with the AAU.

Walter Renaud Wins Local Race

Walter Renaud Wins Local Race

By Owen Osborne

RK Notes: Bangor Daily News, September 8, 1970.

Walter Reanud, 38 year old English Instructor at the University of Maine, took command at the two-mile mark and gradually lengthened his lead to win the eighth annual Bangor five mile road race in a record time of 25:58.8, Monday.

He finished approximately 400 feet ahead of former Brewer runner Dave Farley, now of East Providence, Rhode Island, defending champion and former record holder Bob Hilgrove of Rockland finished fourth, behind Rich Rawley of Wayne.

Renaud finished strong and barely displaying signs of weariness said, “I thought for a time some of those younger men might catch me. I’ve been practicing running every day and I did go over the course a few days ago. I was showing one of the other enterants the course the other day and I got lost.” he chuckled.

Hillgrove, who has won several times, said “I guess I’ll have to get in better condition.”

Six of the entrants stayed bunched along Main Street to Summer, Washington, Exchange and Harlow Streets. Ralph Thomas of Gardiner, Rawley and Jeff Rubie of Las Altas, California along with Hillgrove and Renaud took turns leading the pack until heading onto Valley Avenue when Renaud pulled out front.

By the time he reached the cutoff at Holland Street hill he was ahead by 25 feet and when he reached Union Street it was 100 feet. Starting down Buck Street he made it 300 feet and was almost sprinting.

A group of 28 runners started and 26 of them completed the grind.

Jeff Humphrey of Friendship and Medomak High School finished 13th and was the first high school entrant across the line, Bill Tribou of Simsbury, Connecticut, a member of the Hartford Track Club, repeated as the first entry over 40, finishing 18th. The first Bangor finisher was John Knowlton, 16th.

The first five to finish along with the first over 40, first high school and first Bangor runner were awarded trophies by the sponsoring Bangor Recreation Department.

Other finishers were:

1. Walter Renaud, Orono 25:58.8
2. Dave Farley, East Providence, Rhode Island
3. Rich Rawley, Wayne
4. Bob Hillgrove, Rockland
5. Ralph Thomas, Gardiner
6. Joe Dahl, Yarmouth
7. James Howell, Mount View High School
8. Jeff Ruble, Las Altos, California
9. John Dahl, Old Town
10. Bill Deering, Orono
11. Brian Gillespie, Portland
12. Jerry Crommett, Buxton
13. Jeff Humphrey, Friendship
14. Joel Cox, Belfast
15. Brian Manza, Woodland
16. John Knowlton, Bangor
17. Darrell Vigue, Albion
18. Bill Tribou, Simsbury, Connecticut
19. Frank Roberts, Old Town
20. Gary Hills, Belfast
21. Michael Young, Orono
22. Deane Simmons, Bangor
23. John Cox, Belfast
24. Phil Harmon, Bar Mills
25. Duane Vigue, Albion
26. Elwin Dority, Bangor

Weather conditions were rated ideal for the event. The previous record was 27.17.3 set by Hillgrove two years ago.

By rk at 29 December, 2005 - 09:58 | login or register to post comments