1st ANNUAL GREENFIELD GALLOP FOOT RACE SLATED FOR APRIL 19th
AT OAK PARK
The Greenfield Recreation Dept. wishes to announce the first annual “Greenfield Gallop Road Race” will be held on Wednesday, April 19th at Oak Park on Route 136, directly across from The State Park. The distance covers four miles over challenging but scenic terrain. It is the first area race of the season in the Monadnock region.
The cost of the run is $35.00 pre-entry ($40.00 on race day), but includes LOCO running shoes to all paid entries! DSB Race Management (a division of Per Diem Enterprises) is in charge of handling race logistics. The initiative represents a joint effort between LOCO Running Shoes and Greenfield Recreation Dept.
The unique Wednesday evening start gives locals the chance to work off their winter blubber, test fitness levels and get a new pair of foot wear before the onset of those pesky black flies.
Details of the agreement were worked out last week between Molly Anfuso, Rec Dept. Chief, Mike St.Laurent, Pres. & Co-_Founder of LOCO Shoes, and Dave Birse, CEO of Per Diem Enterprises.The three parties presented a similar race last Fall at Oak Park, which was a huge success. So much so, that they agreed the only natural thing was to do it again in the Spring.
“It works, everything went off flawlessly last time. All runners received a nice pair of running shoes worth twice the price for only 35-40 bucks, plus the normal amenities accorded a race. It is a winner, pure and simple. You can’t beat that, “ offered Birse.
Mr. Birse is a long-time runner of over 30 years, a three-time marathon champion, winner of over a hundred foot races, and Director of the annual “Summer Sizzlers” Hancock, which in 2002 was named winner of ‘The Golden Shoe Award’ by Runners World (the racing equivalent of the Super Bowl trophy) for excellence in grassroots running.
He also is a contributor to a book (“From Fairbanks To Boston: 50 Great US Marathons”, Rainmaker Publishing, LLC), serves as the Northeast marketing agent for it and plans to sell the book at next month’s Boston Marathon Expo and on the Hopkinton Town Green on the morning of the marathon.
As for the race itself, registration takes place from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m., Wed afternoon, April 19th,with the start time at six o’clock sharp. Goodies include free shoes to all athletes, trivia questions, raffles, prizes to all finishers, and refreshments and snacks at the finish.
Hot Dogs are also going to be sold for a dollar apiece, with proceeds going to support the Greenfield Rec. Dept.’s many programs, says Molly Anfuso, Rec.Czar
Those who wish to find out more about the race( also known as “The Vernal Classic At Oak Park”) can access the official webpage at www.locorunning.com and click on to the appropriate link from there. Pre-entry is $35.00, with downloadable aps available.
Those who wish to run, volunteer, donate baked goods, get a hard copy of the application, or who have further questions, may call DSB Race Management at 525-9357 or Mike St.Laurent at 603-659-2824.
| 
