The results are in for the 30th Annual New Haven Road Race. Weather this year was perfect... a crisp Labor Day morning with blue sky and sunshine that brought out a record number of runners exceeding 5,000 for a day at the races. 
Events began with the Half Mile Children's Run around the Green. The new earlier start time of 8:15 allowed more adults to cheer the 280 kids on to finish their race. Rounding the corner of Temple & Elm with a commanding lead was 13 year old Jeffrey Raucci who crossed the finish line in at 2:52 running at a pace of under 6 minutes per mile.
This was my second year running so I stayed with the 5k race that drew a field of 2,223 finishers. Since I normally finish in the middle of the pack I don't worry about losing a little time so I stopped for a photo opp after the water station.
My finish in 1033rd place was 5% ahead of the mid point of all runners and about 5% behind the middle of my division of men 45-49.
The BIG event in New Haven is the 20k Road Race that is the USA National Championship. It draws in runners from all over the country seeking prize money that is awarded to the top 10 finishers in both the Mens & Womens division. First place receives a $7,500 payday and the cash dwindles down to $200 for tenth place.
In the Mens Division Dan Browne took first place with a race pace of 4:47 per mile. Dan is a West Point Grad and was commissioned with the Army's World Class Athlete Program training with a team of soldiers before accepting a spot as one of the original members of the Nike Oregon Project. Taking Second place was James Carney with a pace of 4:48 and in Third was Jason Lehmkuhle finishing in under an hour with a pace of 4:49 per mile.
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The Women's Division also saw top ranked runners in the money. First Place was Alicia Shay, Second went to Elva Dryer and in Third was Kate O'Neill all with a pace of under 5:30 per mile.
Maybe next year you'll see Dan the Running Real Estate Agent do the 20k in New Haven. Don't expect to be in the money though, my pace would be about twice that of these world class runners. In the meantime if you or a friend needs asstistace buying or selling real estate around New Haven, Connecticut you can contact Dan@CummingsTeam.com
Hey Dan,
You have great weather for the race! You have a whole year to train for the 20k...you can do it! :)
Suzanne.. So you are confirming eating healthier does effect performance in a negative way? When it comes to nutrition I am dumb as stone...
George...I ran faster in New Haven by 6 seconds per mile based on the clock time. It's difficult to be exact because not every race lists the results with both the clock time and chip time. For example in New Haven they had over 2000 runners so it took me 30 seconds just to reach the starting line.
Sandi... I actually did OK! One of the guys I run with always races on empty... I think I do better after eating.
Thesa...Believe me I know it isn't about winning or I wouldn't be running... or stopping for photo opps...LOL
Bright... I'm a fairly new runner myself, less than 2 years. I find it's great relaxation & exercise. My recommendation is just get started and enjoy! Try a mile or two with a combination of jogging and walking every other day and as you get quicker add distance. Now I usually run my 5 mile route four times a week and occasionally toss in a long run in the 8-12 mile range. As far as the baby that's your call... you can push the stroller or put dad to work while you enjoy the run...
Bright.... Shoes... Stroller... you can always find an excuse! I almost blew off yesterdays run because I was busy but grabbed a flashlight and went out for a five miler and ran until after 9pm.
Susie... Yes, I run... Did you think I'm one of those agents that would put on a deceiving picture?
Janie... Haven't run anywhere near that distance... Slacked off a little this summer but building back up to over 20 miles a week. Toying with another half that is coming up next month in Hartford. Would two half's in a year count as a Full Marathon?.....LOL