Jet-to-Jetty 5/10k Run 1997, Playa del Rey, CA
By Eric Barron
One can count on the Jet To Jetty 5K for two things, a fast first
mile and an ugly 50/50 (cotton/poly) shirt. Something that no one
seemed to expect, however, was the start of the race. Instead of the
usual, "Thank you for coming. Now I'd like to introduce [name of
has-been celebrity or local politician] to start the race," someone
whispered, "Four, three, two, one." Which would not have been that
big a deal except for the fact that your coach, standing at the
starting line pumping up the troops, was almost trampled to death and
stepped aside an instant before the gun went off.
Once underway, TCLA runners ran well. Although she lost first place
to a punk rocker (Jacinda's words, and I think she was just jealous
of the short, spiked, blond hair), Jacinda took second in 18:11.
Next to cross the line (and second in his age division) was John, and
then Magnet Tom several places back, though quick enough to keep him
from considering early retirement. Little did he know it, but Magnet
Tom's day was to get far worse when his Buckeyes succumbed to the
undefeated Wolverines on a lovely, gray, Ann Arbor afternoon.
Winning her age division in 21:11, Peggy set a p.r., as did Shauna
who took second in her age division with 22:09. Jeannie also ran,
though the smile on her face at the end of the race seemed to
indicate she was in it more for fun than competition.
While Peggy, John, and Jacinda jumped into the 10K for a warm-down,
Melinda and Matt took it to heart. Melinda ran 43:17 (exactly
seven-minute pace if you round down), and Matt finished a few minutes
back. Given his short-distance background, it is quite an
accomplishment to race a 10K.
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