GREAT SWAMP DEVIL15K A "MUST DO" FOR SOME
It happens every year - runners take a look at their New Balance Grand Prix points and see that they are either missing a Category Three non championship race, or the points they have from an earlier race are so low they need to be replaced.
A look at the calendar and it can be seen that there is only next Sunday's Great Swamp Devil 15K (Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge), or the USATF hosted ten mile championship in December. Taking a chance on getting the needed points at the December ten mile race is risky as some runners have found to their chagrin.
Currently Ken Rolek of Easton, PA, is leading in the overall men's division of the grand prix with 5,705 points, but lurking in ninth place is Ben Reynolds of Chatham, who was featured here a few weeks ago. Reynolds was the first New Jersey finisher in the ING New York City Marathon on November 5th and his 2006 season could end in a flourish if he were to win both the Great Swamp and the ten miler. His score would climb to 5,790 and no one could touch him.
The women's race has less certainty with three women in the top ten needing to run in the Great Swamp or take their chance by waiting for the ten miler. Kathy Rocker of Metuchen is currently in fourth, 276 points behind Jane Parks of Morristown who has all of her maximum nine races. Karyn Layton of Rockaway is only 21 points away from Rocker and Maria Bruno of Boonton is 30 points behind Layton. All three need a non championship Category Three race to complete their nine races and move ahead of Parks, the fastest New Jersey woman in the W50 division.
Similar situations exist in the age divisions. Some runners have all three Category Three races but have improved over the season and will look to pick up a better score at the Great Swamp.
As in the men's division there is also a sleeper hiding in the standings. Jeanne Pare of Mendham lacks a 700 point Category Two race and a non championship Category Three race so sits in 16th place overall. She needs to run in today's Giralda Farms 10K or the Ashenfelter 8K on Thanksgiving morning and then in the Great Swamp Devil or the ten mile championship in December. One thousand dollars for first place is on the line.
While searching for more points is a valid reason for running in the Great Swamp Devil race, there are plenty of runners who love to run without worrying about points. The course has two double backs and cruises through the serenity of the Great Swamp on swamp-flat roads. Sleeping in is an option on Sunday as the race does not start until 1:00 p.m. which will ensure running during the warmest part of the day, which can be a major factor for a mid November race in Morris County.
The 5K non grand prix race that starts at 1:15 p.m. is interesting in that it is wildly supported by members of the Girls on the Run organization. This program seeks to instill self confidence and esteem in pre-teen girls. Watching the girls head for the finish is exciting and heartwarming as their families and mentors cheer them in.
GIRALDA FARMS RACES AT NOON TODAY
Despite foul weather that may be dampening Morris County this morning, runners will be heading for Madison for the Giralda Farms 10K and 5K that go off at noon today. The 10K is the USATF-NJ Masters Championship so teams from within and outside the area will be competing for championship status and points in the Liberty Waterfront Team and Club Grand Prix. The Raritan Valley Road Runners have taken the lead in the club grand prix with last year's winner Morris County Striders hoping to make a good showing today and narrow the gap.
Unique among road races, the Giralda Farms run features a sponsor-free souvenir long sleeved T-shirt, that is guaranteed to all pre-registered runners and while they last to those who post enter. Most race organizers decorate the backs with sponsor logos or names, but the Giralda Farms shirts are cherished for their lack of advertising on the back and their tasteful design on the front.
Runners are advised to time their arrival prior to 11:15 a.m. due to the configuration of the roads at the corporate complex and the parking garage access. Registration is done in the parking garage sheltered from any rain.
Originally p ublished in the DAILY RECORD of Morris County, New Jersey on Sunday, November 12, 2006
Copyright, MADELINE BOST, 2006
