Western Mass, BAA Win team titles at Bridge of Flowers 5 Miler

The USATF-NE Road Race Grand Prix headed west again for the fourth 2009 series event, the Bridge of Flowers 5 Mile in Shelburne Falls MA.  Re-designed last year after decades as a 10km, the challenging small-town course - actually running through both Shelburne and Buckland, crossing the Iron Bridge twice - retained unforgiving Crittenden Hill so the races favored strength over speed. 
After the tour of the hill towns, Louis Serafini broke the tape and the course record in 24:25, a full 42 seconds over Tracksmith Hare teammate Patrick Gregory with Ruben Sanca (Whirlaway) the third USATF-NE placer. Top master Justin Freeman placed 11th overall in 26:06.
The front running duo led Tracksmith its first team win of the season, a full 2 minutes clear of Western Mass Distance Project with the B.A.A. another 1:30 back as 15 clubes scored. CMS won the 40+ and 50+ divisions, with Sugarloaf Mt. AC tops in the 60+ scoring and NE 65+ RC again the top 70+ crew. 
 
Given the topography, it was not a surprise that a past USA Mountain Running Team member would take honors in the women's results.  Kim Nedeau clocked 29:31 for the win, but had just 3 seconds on Jenna Gigliotti. With both representing Western Mass, the club had an early lead on the team time total. However, B.A.A. had more depth over 5 finihers and took the team trophy by 2 minutes over WMDP.  The open runners-up did score the 40+ title, with BEN Running Club topping the 50+ ranks and Whirlaway doing the same for 60+. 
 
Next up in the series - the Allen Mello NH 10 Miler in Auburn NH on August 24.
Grand Prix scoring after 4 events and full results link