Scamper for the Campers 5K

I ran this event in 2017 after seeing a race flyer at the Lynn Woods race. The same opportunity came about last Wednesday by means of seeing the flyer. I looked at the 2018 results. Brian Hamill won with a 20:17. We have raced and trained together over the years. I thought I might have a shot at a similar time this year and looked forward to the race after confirming that I could sign up at the race which takes all proceeds for Camp Fire.

I ran to Camp Fire for a 1 mile warm up only to find an empty parking lot. I was directed to Camp Lion which was less than a  mile away so I picked up the pace as I only had 20 minutes to get there, sign up, and get on the starting line. I got on the line with 8 minutes to spare and caught up with Stephen Martin, race director of the Lazy Dog Classy 3 mile, also in Lynn every January. 

Scamper for the Campers 5K start
Photo by Laurie Hamill

After quick instruction from the race director, Laurie Hamill, that the course was two of the exact same loop around Fay’s Estate, the race took off. The course was on the same roads as two years ago, just a new start and finish which did not require to run up Highland Ave at the end. 

I worked my way up to the leader, Dennis Donahue within 30 seconds. Brian joined as well. The three of us went around the first loop of 1.57 miles together, following the Lynn PD SUV. I took less initiation as we saw the mile go by in 6:18 which was quicker than I thought. I eased into the lead with the downhill to the Floating Bridge. The mile two split was 6:10 (did not see it) but now I was running scared as I committed. I got a little peace from the trailing foot steps of Brian and Dennis. I was working out the end of the race in my head. The peace did not last long as Dennis closed in with 400m to go. We had a little climb and I worked it with a steady cadence and opened the stride once it flattened out. Less than 200m left and the steps were right behind me, not knowing if it was Brian or Dennis. 

I got to the line for the win. I turned back and Dennis was only 5 seconds back. Brian came in right behind him 32 seconds later. My last mile was also a 6:10. I rounded up Brian, Dennis, Paul Hennessey, and Sal Genovese to run the upper Springs Pond trails only 50 yards away. It was once known for restoring health. We ran over to Peabody via Springs Pond Rd turning back before we reached Browns Pond. We had Beer, Soda, Water, and Pizza waiting. Krissy surprised me for a visit which was really nice. We had a few slices of Pizza and wrapped up a nice morning.

Scamper for the Camper 5K

Lynn,MA  June 2,2019 10:00 AM

     

Place Name                No.  S Ag City       St Time    Pace    

===== =================== ==== = == ========== == ======= =====

    1 JAMES PAWLICKI        77 M 44 Lynn       MA   19:35  6:19

    2 DENNIS DONAHUE       120 M 42 Lynn       MA   19:40  6:20

    3 BRIAN HAMILL         122 M 47 Charlestow MA   20:12  6:30

    4 ANNIE ROSE CARTER     65 F 38 Danvers    MA   21:21  6:53

    5 DAN CAHILL            73 M 40 Lynn       MA   22:38  7:17

2019 Scamper for the Campers 5K race results