Turley Publications photo by Ruth M. Lyon

Arleigh McRae, 19, accepts congratulations from Tom Lowkes, organizer and Chairman of the Quaboag 350^th Road Race Committee. McRae, whose first place finish clocked at 27.05.5 said “nice course, tough weather,”

Off to the races

East Brookfield Quaboag 350^th Road Race warmly received

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

EAST BROOKFIELD – A race around Lake Lashaway might not appear to be an enticing idea for a Saturday celebration that’s bound to last into the night, with storm clouds threatening and unstoppable heat and humidity. Nevertheless, 35 runners showed up at this town’s salute to 350 years of proud history, ready for action. And at 10 a.m., they were off.

A dozen walkers had begun their trek, following the same 4.5 mile route, at 9 a.m.

Organizer and chairman for the event, Tom Lowkes, briefly addressed the assemblage of bending and stretching contenders, informing them that the race was two tenths of a mile longer than previously announced, and that an average of 27 calories would be burned per runner.

He further informed them of the significance of this year of observance of Quaboag Plantation’s beginnings. “This race will also, I hope, be a beginning. I’d like to see this race become an annual event,” he concluded as he prepared for the countdown.

A small group of well-wishers and observers gathered in the shade of the elementary school, water bottles at hand, to cheer on the racers. Some were youngsters, eagerly awaiting the winning return of a parent. Then too, there were dads and moms who’d watched their youthful contenders take on the challenge. A table nearby displayed this town’s official Quaboag 350^th t-shirts, which could be purchased for $10, but were provided to each race participant at no charge.

Shortly after the runners departed, the first walkers appeared in view. Jim and Reita Los gratefully accepted bottled water and a seat in the shade, but commented that their hike had been accomplished comfortably despite the heat and humidity. “We’re from North Carolina, where we’ve just been through the hottest June since 1895,” Jim explained. The couple, in town for a Sunday wedding, just happened to read of the race and decided to enter on the spur of the moment, they said.

Nineteen-year-old Arleigh McRae, the winning runner at 20:05.5 minutes, commented “nice course, tough weather,” as she accepted congratulations.

There being no separate categories as to gender or age, runners and walkers appeared throughout the next hour, rosy of cheek, short of breath, and looking forward to a day of celebration of the July 4^th holiday.

Lowkes, packing up his equipment, promised an “outstanding” float for the Quaboag Plantation 350^th parade in September. “We’re saving up for that,” he smiled.

The complete list of runners who completed the race, with times, is as follows:

1. McRae, Arleigh, East Brookfield: 27:05.5

2. Gaudere, Bill, Hudson: 29:26.7

3. Forgit, Lester, Worcester: 31:53.7

4. Lamoureux, Marc, East Brookfield: 32:54.0

5. Prouty, Steve, Spencer: 33:23/4

6. Gudere, Cynthia: Hudson: 34:05.6

7. Young, Brian: Barre: 34:54:8

8. Bryant, Amy: North Brookfield: 36:39.8

9. Lowkes, Andrew: East Brookfield: 37:13;7

10. Buzzell, Tim: East Brookfield: 37:16:1

11. Buzzell, Dan: West Brookfield: 37:43.8

12. Wilbur, Glenn, Charlton: 37:47.3

13. Powers, Emily, Spencer: 37:50.0

14. Oxman, Brian, Brookfield: 37:57.6

15. Sharry, Kate: Paxton: 39:07.3

16. Ungerer, Margaret: Sturbridge: 39:19:4

17. Smith, Brianna: Spencer: 40:38.8

18. Prouty, Brad: East Brookfield: 41:34.6

19. Tardy, Alan, Holyoke: 41:55.2

20. Stewart, Kathryn, Spencer: 41:55.7

21. Quevillon, Elizabeth, Brookfield: 42:39.0

22. Quevillon, John, Brookfield: 42.40.1

23. Petruzzi, Peter, East Brookfield: 42:5 9.7

24. Begin, Kenneth, West Brookfield: 44:19.8

25. Lacairer, Hannah, East Brookfield: 46:46.6

26. Morin, Valerie, North Brookfield: 48:09.2

27. Krog, Jennifer, North Brookfield: 53:41.1

28. Holt Tracy, East Brookfield: 53:41.9

29. Prouty, Rachel, East Brookfield: 54:42.3

30. Oxman, Sarah, Brookfield: 54:58.7

31. Germain, Simone, Charlton: 1:04:49.5