Bash 10k Info

Images from the 2008 Bash

Just a few minutes after the scheduled 9:00 am start time, 143 hardy souls hit the trails for the start of the 2008 Bimbler’s Bash 10k. There may be lots of 10k’s in the race calendar but there is only one Bash 10k which, for good reason, is billed as “…possible the longest 10k you’ve ever run…”! The course is made up of a series of interconnected single track trails through Westwoods near Guilford, CT. The property is predominantly owned and managed by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust to whom proceeds from the event are donated. This year field included a mixture of competitive runners and others intent to just have some fun in the mud and judging by the great photos taken by Cathi Bosco, they got what they were hoping for.

The overall winner Robin Pitt appears to have taken the lead from the start although to begin with he was chased hard by Tonto Kowalski until he took a wrong turn and fell back to finish in 8th place. Robin’s winning time of 58:25, was a great effort but not sufficient to beat the record set last year. In second place was Tim Smith who at over 50 years of age clearly showed a few of the younger guys how’s it done finishing just 38 seconds behind the leader! Behind Tim were 2 more age group winners, (Christopher Cosma (30) 1:00:04, John Agosto (43) 1:00:36).

In the ladies race, Kerry Arsenault returned to defend her title and while she was a little off pace from last year, finished in 1:07:44 and 15th overall. Kerry has been struggling with injuries for the past several months, so it was good to see she appears to be getting back on form. Second lady was Megan Raymond from Branford (1:11:12), closely followed by Elizabeth Ogata (1:11:25) and Mandy Bonz (1:14:37).

Despite being a challenging course, the Bash sets out to attract runners of all ages and once again we had several family groups taking part, with the youngest finisher being only 10 years of age. Tyler McConnell finished in 1:19:23 (60th overall). I hadn’t been aware he had registered and didn’t see him until he raced across the finish line with a beaming smile, while pictures taken during the race show him running with poise and purpose. To some, he might appear a little young to be running a race like the Bash, but seeing him at the finish and hearing accounts from other runners about his pace management, he seems to have natural talent. Other notable young finishers were Kathleen Farrall (13yrs) 1:17:33 and Kyle McLaughlin (14yrs) 1:21:59.

While races ultimately get remembered by their results, mention has to be made about the many volunteers and supporters who helped make the day a success. Fellow runner Andrew Carlson who recently started up Carlson Craft Brewery, a micro brewery dedicated to producing bottle conditioned beers, provided a set of glasses for the overall winners. Cathi Bosco, talented local artist, runner and photographer, provided pictures from the course that were mounted and presented to age group winners. Local chef Frank Giglio, assisted by his Mom, organized the food while Brad and Danielle Forester donated the drinks offered at the finish. The association with Brad originated from last years Bash. Brad runs an IT consultancy called Kinesium Consulting based in Guilford, while Danielle is a licensed Naturopathic Physician in the town.

Without the dedication from these supporters, and the many volunteers who marked, marshaled the course, or handed out refreshments, the Bash simply could not happen. Thanks to all of them and thank you to all the runners for making it the best Bash yet.
We hope to see you all next year!
Jerry

The first running of the Bimbler’s Bash took place of April 29, 2007 and exceeded all expectations. One hundred and eleven runners, a total much higher than expected for an inaugural race, massed at the start for a short briefing before heading into Westwoods. The race was designed to provide a technical challenge but over a distance that would attract runners who might otherwise not attempt this type of race. The field included several hardened trails runners but clearly did also attract many first timers. The route would take the competitors through the beautiful Westwoods property and test their agility, concentration and stamina over 10 kilometers (approximately!). Being a true trail race, the one thing you can guarantee is that the distance on the application form is unlikely to be exact. As they crossed the line, the effort that had been extracted from every runner was evident; their tired but smiling expressions suggested they had just endured something special! Over soda and sandwiches conversation echoed with stories about the mud, roots, boulders and the rock wall they had scrambled up. That 10k distance is deceptive, the Bash is a challenging course, but nobody seemed to be complaining. Well, maybe a few did ask about the accuracy of the distance, but this is trail running – ‘it is what it is’! Concerns that the rough terrain would result in serious injury proved unfounded. Of course the risk is always there, but with the exception of a few scraps everyone thankfully, finished in one piece.

Stephen Herrera lead from the start to finished in an impressive 53:03, he was closely followed by Guilford resident Jesse Efron (55:35) while George Buchanan (56:04) finished third. In the ladies race, another local runner, Kerry Arsenault won in 1:02:31, with Maureen Terwilliger (1:05:10) and Amy Sorensen (1:09:29) in 2 and 3 respectively. Kerry’s effort was her second running of the route that day, at 6 am she had lead the course marker team and then ran the entire course for good measure to be sure everything was in place! Once everyone had gone home, together with Jay Avitable (who also helped with marking) she went out for a third loop to remove the tape and marker plates, I bet they slept well later! The commitment from so many volunteers to make this event possible was considerable, without them the race simply could not have taken place. Besides the group who marked the course, local chef Frank Giglio provided post race refreshments ably support by his Mom. Brian Loose, himself an accomplished ultra runner, rallied the aid station crew at Lost Lake while artist Cathi Bosco scurried back and forth marshalling her team of photographers. Behind the scenes Paul Prouxl, chairman of the Westwoods Committee, rallied to a short notice request to help clear fallen trees. Thank you to everyone who helped.

The race was fortunate to have the support of several companies who donated prizes and food, most notably the Branford running store soundRunner, GoLite Footwear, Trailrunner Magazine and Smartwool Socks all provided prizes. Local retailer Trailblazer donated funds direct to the Guilford Land Conservation Trust in acknowledgement of their work providing trail systems like Westwoods. The day really was all about the Trust who had enthusiastically supported the idea of the Bash when it was suggested more than 6 months earlier and proceeds from the race will hopefully help continue their good work. We hope they will allow us back next year.