Monthly Archives: December 2009

The Assault on Mt. Hood is a challenging romp over the hills and fairways of Mt. Hood Golf Course in Melrose, MA. The course is beautiful, and the post-race party features excellent clam chowder–plus salad, pasta, beer, and a big glass beer stein you can bring home. The Melrose Runners do a terrific job with this event. (Thanks, Melrose Runners!) Photos and HD video below…

30 seconds into the race

(I took this photo, and the ones below, while running.)

Just one of many climbs

Runner with the tower behind her

Jackie at the summit

(I was no longer running when I took this next photo.)

Angel flies!

Before you move on to the HD video, please vote on your favorite photo!

For many more photos from this race, play the HD video below. You’ll see the scenery, the other runners, and the spectators. (It’s just like being there–but without the sweat and the wind-chill! :)

Hope you enjoyed the video! Please comment below…

The Mill Cities Relay is more than a race. It’s a Gathering of the Clans. Relay teams from running clubs throughout the Merrimack Valley run 27 miles from Nashua to Lawrence, and then party at the runner-friendly Claddagh Pub. (Don’t worry: if you can’t pronounce it, they’ll still let you in. :)

Snow fell for much of the night, but by race time the storm had blown out to sea, leaving a brilliant dusting of white on the trees and just occasional black ice underfoot. A perfect winter day!

Rick in Lowell

(I took this photo, and the ones below, while running.)

Whitney passes me in Methuen

A Winners Circle runner passes me on the final hill

Play the HD video below for a first-person experience of the 2009 Mill Cities Relay. (It will look best if you play it in “Full-screen” mode, once it starts.)

Come! Join me inside the pack. Watch the video and see the river, the other runners, and the spectators. Then vote on your favorite photo!

See you at the next race!