Runners play 18 at Gannon

LYNN – St. Mary?s sophomore Michael Cerulli was the winner in the inaugural ?18-Hole Par 70 5K? race at Gannon Golf Course Friday morning.The Lynn Parks and Recreation Dept. and race director Joe Abelon hosted the race, which — despite the less-than-ideal conditions — was a success. The freezing temps and the covering of snow which blanketed the region over the previous two days depleted what had been expected to be a much larger field, with just eight runners.?Unfortunately, the snow affected the turnout for what was shaping up to be a unique and terrific race,” said Lisa Nerich, the head of Parks and Recreation. “Everyone that did participate today seemed to have a great time so we certainly succeeded in that regard.”Abelon set up the 3.1-mile course — which spanned all 18 holes of the scenic course — on Wednesday afternoon. But the change in weather required quick alterations Friday morning.?It was difficult getting up the hills in a golf cart before the race began so we knew the climbing portions would be tough tests,” Abelon said. “I think the runners welcomed that kind of change in pace for the most part.”
Cerulli, 16, finished with a top time of 23 minutes, 20 seconds. He has been adjusting to a recent diagnosis of athletically induced asthma, he said.
?Those were tough conditions to run in but I felt good out there and that?s a positive indication that I?m adjusting well,” said Cerulli, who is hoping for a strong cross-country season next year, now that he is aware of his breathing deficiency.
?I knew something was wrong this season after running well as a freshman,” he said. “It was disappointing to hear but I?m glad I figured out what the problem is and I?m really looking forward to working my way back.”
The event was something of a family affair for Cerulli, whose grandparents, Jim and Jean Barry of Ipswich, also ran the race. Jim Barry finished in 31:21, while Jean Barry crossed the finish line in 39:49.
The hills of Gannon can be challenging even in the best conditions. The weather only increased the degree of difficulty.
?I was expecting a difficult run and that?s how it turned out,” said Jean Barry. “But it was a lot of fun.”
Not far behind Cerulli?s pace was Jack Simpson (25:02), a senior captain on the Salve Regina University cross-country team and a graduate of St. Mary?s.
?It was a lot of fun and pretty competitive considering it was only a field of eight,” said the 21-year-old business administration major. “I?ve run in 5Ks, 8Ks and all types of weather but nothing quite like this.”
Lynn Tech sophomore Edgar Ortega rounded out the top three at 27:58, a mark he was pleased with given the slippery terrain.
?I don?t want to say it was horrid out there but these obviously weren?t the best running conditions I?ve competed in,” Ortega said. “I couldn?t get any real traction going up the hills so it was definitely a challenge.”
Mark Rosenblum, 55, no stranger to golf course races having competed at Old Salem Greens and Mount Hood, echoed his fellow runners? feelings.
?Today was an interesting and different kind of experience,” said the resident of Melrose who finished with a time of 28:48.
?Overall, I found that most of the course was covered with the light and fluffy stuff which made for a beautiful scene and a lot of fun.”
Rounding out the field were Danvers residents, 10-year old William McInerney (36:43) and his father Thomas McInerney, who finished seven seconds later.
?We?ve done a bunch of 5Ks together but this was the first in the snow,” said Thomas McInerney.
?He competed in the elementary school race (at Gannon) on Veterans Day so it?s really great to see him so interested in running.”
For William, not even a pair of ?down? moments could affect his high spirits.
?I slipped a couple of times and fell down,” William McInerney said, “but I got right back up and kept going.”