SEABROOK — The Hangover Classic has something for everybody.
And by "everybody," I mean people who wish to cure a hangover by diving into the Atlantic Ocean in 15-degree temperatures only minutes after running 3 to 6 miles. And how do these people warm up after taking the plunge? They walk through 36-mile-per-hour winds directly to the Carousel Lounge and have another beer.
These are our hard-core runners.
They came out in full force again yesterday, ringing in the New Year with the obligatory 28th annual Hangover Classic. Of the 830 who completed the 5K or 10K, nearly 200 went for a swim afterward.
"I made sure my life insurance policy was paid before I did this," said a soaking wet Frank Zecha, 45, of Danvers, as he stood in the Carousel Lounge post-race. "The sand was ridiculously cold. The water was worse."
When asked if he'd return next year, Zecha simply said, "Yes."
If the post-race swimming tradition didn't end yesterday, it's never going to end. The wind-chill factor made it feel like four degrees below zero on the beach. Still, one after the other, men and women completed the race on the Salisbury boardwalk and made a left turn toward the ocean.
A small crowd watched in support, cheering after each runner made the plunge. Some runners chose to disrobe before entering the ocean, planning to return to dry clothing afterward. Others entered in full running garb, socks and sneakers included. The ocean was actually so cold, the water that washed onto the beach turned to a sheet of ice in places.
"It's New Year's, so this is how I celebrate every year," said Sandra Debow of Danvers, as she grabbed her dry clothing on the beach with a pained grimace. "But it's too cold for me to stand here and talk."
Rather than rush to find a warm shower, most swimmers congregated in the Carousel Lounge. Free Solo cups of beer were dispersed by the bar staff, and runners stood in dripping-wet clothing taking sips. No warm shower. No warm drink.
"I love the whole idea of this," said Joe Hager, originally of Lawrence but now a resident of San Francisco. "You come in here with a hangover, and you leave with an entirely different feeling."
Let's hope that feeling isn't pneumonia for the sake of 200 runners.
Dan Guttenplan is the sports editor of The Daily News. E-mail him at dguttenplan@newburyportnews.com.
Hangover Classic 5K Results
Men
Place, nameAgeTime
1. Alex Brown2118:40
2. Dave Dunham4418:55
3. Paul Doe4919:13
4. Todd Gerrish4719:51
5. David Saltmarsh4420:01
Women
1. Abby Iselborn1920:54
2. Lacey Hebert2521:29
3. Robin Carlson3721:52
4. Hilary Scheintaub2122:19
5. Morag McTavish3422:21
Hangover Classic 10K Results
Men
Place, NameAgeTime
1. Terrance Shea3532:37
2. Nicholas Wheeler2233:13
3. Andy McCarron2633:22
4. Danny Gough4034:31
5. Jim Johnson3134:50
Women
1. Mandy Ivey2039:47
2. Cathy Merra4941:48
3. Amy Bernard3042:05
4. Cathy Pearce4642:44
5. Simonetta Piergenti4442:50
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