By Dan Guttenplan
SALISBURY — The Atlantic Ocean offered more than 200 local runners an ice bath yesterday following the 29th annual Hangover Classic in Salisbury.
Of the 931 runners who completed the 5K or 10K race¬s, roughly a third made a left turn at the finish line on the Salisbury Beach board walk, ventured to the beach and made the plunge into the ocean. Due to a host of moving weather fronts, the surf was rough, and many of the swimmers had to fight through crashing waves to get back to the shore.
"I came to make the plunge, and I got pummeled," said Newburyport's Dale Granger-Eckert, 57, while drying herself with towel. "The water temperature wasn't bad, but the waves came pounding down on us."
Granger-Eckert's husband, Dale Eckert, 54, made his fourth plunge.
"I've been stupid enough to do this four times," Eckert said. "I'm sure it won't be the last."
Casey Carroll, 38, placed first in the 5K, finishing in 15:53. He beat second-place finisher Matthew Clarke, 27, by 38 seconds. Michael Kelleher, 17, placed third (16:45). Byfield's Jeff Kelly placed fourth (17:01).
Kathy Burley, 49, won the women's 5K in 19:52. West Newbury's Kelly Anne Jenkins (19:55), 41, and Robin Carlson (21:02), 38, rounded out the top three.
Curtis Wheeler, 23, won the 10K, finishing in 31:12. Robert Gomez, 26, placed second (31:18). Andy McCarron, 27, finished third (31:30).
Kristin Barry was the top female finisher (34:42). Melissa Donais placed second (37:18). Amber Cullen finished third (39:16).
Yesterday's race conditions, which includes temperatures in the high 30s, were much more favorable than last year, when temperatures were in the teens with 20-plus mph winds. Granger-Eckert felt the mild weather conditions may have influenced more runners to take the plunge.
"I've always wanted to do it, and this was a perfect day for it," Granger-Eckert said. "It's a great way to start the new year."
Each of the runners who made the post-race plunge received a complimentary pint glass, which was provided by the race sponsor, The Winner's Circle.
The 29th annual Hangover Classic
Top male finishers for the 5K
Place, nameAgeTime
1. Casey Carroll3815:53
2. Matthew Clarke2716:31
3. Michael Kelleher1716:45
4. Jeff Kelly4217:01
5. Nick Curelop2117:14
Top female finishers for the 5K
1. Kathy Burley4919:52
2. Kelly Anne Jenkins4119:55
3. Robin Carlson3821:02
4. Linda Long5321:59
5. Shannon Murdock1322:00
Top male finishers for the 10K
1. Curtis Wheeler2331:12
2. Robert Gomez2631:18
3. Andy McCarron2731:30
4. Nicholas Wheeler2332:01
5. Titus Mutinda4433:30
Top female finishers for the 10K
1. Kristin Barry3634:42
2. Melissa Donais2537:18
3. Amber Cullen2739:16
4. Aviva Marta Goldstein2439:26
