The day had arrived. It was the 38th annual Holyoke St Patrick’s Day Road Race 2013. This would also be my 10th St. Patty’s Day Race here. I had arrived, as many of you know, looking for the stories of the day to show themselves.  But there was a big difference this year….. The roads were quiet early that morning. […]
{ 0 comments }
The first thing I learned being new on the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day road race and parade committees was just how many people (volunteering their time) that it took to put on two major events of this type. Then I learned there were meetings, A LOT OF MEETINGS. Some of the meetings were small with 4-5 people. […]
{ 0 comments }
As I arrived on race day the sign for the finish line was being hoisted up and put into place. Many of the people, lead by Jim Wildman, had already been out on the course for hours setting up barriers and tables for the water stops. Â This is actually one of my favorite photos […]
{ 0 comments }
We were getting ready for all of you to begin showing up. Gabe started with setting up tables.  Sue (yellow jacket) made sure bib numbers for the earl registered were set. The tables were full of the cases of the food for the runners after the race. And water by the hundreds of gallons were ready to distribute […]
{ 0 comments }
The doors opened and the Friday’s registration and bib pick up began. As I tell people you need to move into each day looking for the story that the day will bring you. My stories for the day began right away. Meet Ryan. We met about 6 years ago at a Cambridge race. He wasn’t […]
{ 0 comments }
These are not just friends, they are great friends. They are Air Force Reservists out if Barnes Air Force Base in Westfield, Ma.. Tom(white shirt) picked up the running fever just about a year ago with last year’s St. Patty’s race being his first. His excitement has caught on with those around him. (L-R) Sevgi, Tony, Dawn, Quigley, […]
{ 0 comments }
One great thing about working in the registration tent for so many hours was getting to see most everyone that came to register or pick up their numbers. Amongst them were many people that I call friend. Chris(black jacket) I’ve known for many years and have both run in the same races and put on […]
{ 0 comments }
Slainte, the newest restaurant in Holyoke at 80 Jarvais Ave. Owned by Jake and Deb who are owners of The Eastside Grille in Northampton. They have put a great new feel to this establishment that had been missing with past owners. Great food, drink, atmosphere and views. Plus owners that are there all the time to make sure everyone […]
{ 0 comments }
The Three Amigos. I graduated with Paul (orange hat) and Dennis and I have known each other for about 6-7 years.  Dennis has been in my blog entries a few times from a few races. I call him one of the humble greats. He is a fantastic runner but is humble in every definition of […]
{ 0 comments }
This was the first person to arrive prior to the Friday registration for Saturday’s race. “Prior” being the magic word. I love seeing and meeting the first timers. They are bubbly, excited and nervous all at the same time. This sweet smiling little ray of sunshine was so excited about the St. Patty’s race being her […]
{ 0 comments }
