Old Colony hosts third annual 'Frosty Runner Road Race'
Kevin Mullen’s motto might as well be “no shoes, no problem.”
The Fairhaven resident ran the “Frosty Runner Road Race” barefoot on Saturday along with 133 others, although they laced up for the 40-degree day.
Now in its third year, the race supports Old Colony Regional Vocational High School athletics. It offered racers a 5K or 10.5 mile course option. Cross Country Coach and school instructor Bethany Botelho started it to help raise awareness and funds for her team.
Uniforms, a tent and stopwatches have all been purchased with race money.
The tri-town has no shortage of benefit runs in the spring and summer, but this race gives runners a chance to compete outside in winter.
“We’ve been growing steadily,” Botelho said.
The race was scheduled for Jan. 25; however, frigid cold and light snow postponed it to Feb. 1.
Many runners were pleased with the decision.
“Today is perfect,” said Mullen, who warmed up for his run by jogging on a snow-covered trail.
He decided to try barefoot running six years ago after reading “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall. Equal parts travelogue, training guide and science research, the bestselling book examines the world of endurance running.
For the book, McDougall travelled to Mexico with a group of elite runners. There, a race is set up against a native tribe noted for running long distances with nothing more than a slip of leather strapped to their feet.
“When done right, this is a low impact, less injurious way to run,” Mullen said. Having run 10 half marathons and numerous 10K races he should know. The furthest he’s run barefoot was 28 miles.
The coldest weather he’s run in without wearing shoes was 14 degrees, “But that was pushing it,” he said.
For runner and Old Colony student Ashlyn Buzniak this was her first Frosty Road Runner Race. Buzniak, an Acushnet resident, is also on the cross country team. She ran to help the school.
“I just like running and this was a good way to support the team,” she said.
Results
In the 10-mile race, Danny Croteau of Acushnet claimed the top spot, finishing with a time of 1:01:54. Following Croteau were Michael Norton of East Falmouth, with 1:04:47, and Tom Gelson of Marion with 1:09:22.
For the ladies in the 10-mile run, Lynn Vasconcelos of Fairhaven finished first with a time of 1:13:13 to set a new course record. Tarley Summer of Acushnet took second with 1:14:39, and Allison Rossi of New Bedford finished third at 1:15:41.
And if you’re wondering how Mullen fared he finished 12th overall with a time of 1:15:28.
For complete race results, visit www.jbrace.com.
