Thanks to all who celebrated Independence Day with the first restriction-free GMAA race since the start of the pandemic! The 39th Annual (held virtually in 2020) Clarence DeMar 5k was held on an uncharacteristically cool morning, a perfect day to share the roads of South Hero with our long lost running friends.
Very special guest, “Papa” Ray Allen, former UVM (‘59) cross country and track standout and the reason behind the inaugural running of this race back in 1983, served as the official starter of this year’s race. After some reminiscing on Clarence Demar, the race’s namesake, former resident of South Hero, UVM alumni (‘11), who later went on to infamously win 7 Boston Marathons, the nearly 300 racers were off in a blur of red, white, and blue. The out and back course passes DeMar’s former home as well as “Papa” Ray’s Allenholm Farm, twice.
Adron Pitmon, former MMU high school standout, won the men’s field with a time of 15:59.3 and Jennifer Sober, making the trip all the way from Jupiter, Florida, doubled as open and masters champion in 18:08.3. A fierce battle ensued for top 50-59 competitors with Francis Burdett edging out age group rivals Josh Brown and Dale Flanders for 9th, 10th, and 11th overall. All three, notably, ahead of this author’s husband and 40-49 age group winner, Eli Enman. Many thanks to race sponsors, generous raffle donators, volunteers, and racers.
Race Results: http://802timing.com/results/21results/runresults/7.4.21overallclarence.htm#M
Race Photos (credit Rob Swanson & Chris Kline): https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/Location/Photos3/VT/SouthHero/ClarenceDeMarRoadRace
Hailing from Anchorage, Alaska, Silas was originally drawn to New England to compete in XC running and Nordic skiing while attending Dartmouth. Since moving to Vermont in 2018, he spends his time running, coding, and playing outside with his dog and family.
