Fall 2025

Page 1


Features

Why I Run

Conversation with Sydney Howland

Race Director

Interview with Tim Richmond, MAX Performance

Club Spotlight

PIONEERS Run Crew

Athlete Profile

Andre Baynes interview

Coach’s Corner

A conversation with Brian Crossman

Health and Fitness

A talk with Cheryl Chandler

Essay

We’ve Been Thinking About......

Event coverage

Track and field

USATF-NE Open and Masters

USATF Region 1 Junior Olympics

USATF-NE Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships

Road Races

USATF-NE Road Mile Championships

The Boston 10K Fairgrounds 5K

Triathlons

Whaling City Tri & Du

Hyannis 1 Triathlon

Harvest Triathlon

Gloucester Sprint Triathlon

Sharon Triathlon

Editor-in-Chief

Publisher

MarkMathis

www.bostonrunningscene.com

Letter

from the Editor

Inaugural Issue

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the first issue Boston Running Scene: Story and Movement dedicated to the runners, the races, and the rhythm of the road and track (with the occasional triathlon thrown in for good measure) in and around Boston and New England. Whether you toe the line at local 5Ks, chase age-group records, or simply lace up for health and wellness, this publication is for you.

We started this magazine for the love of story and movement, particularly running, in all its various permutations and we begin this journey with one goal in mind: to tell the tales and share the images of those that often go unheard and unseen in the wider running world. To impart the stories of those who run as contemplative practice, who build community and a sense of belonging, who run for causes and cures, as well as fun and fitness. Here, you’ll find voices from New England’s streets and trails, the stories behind the bibs, and the rich culture of running, racing, and community that pulses through our streets.

In this inaugural issue of Boston Running Scene: Story and Movement, we launch our “Why I Run” series beginning with the reflections of a master’s level runner who rediscovered competition after 40. We take you inside early-season track meets and preview summer’s iconic road races. We speak with coaches, club leaders, and emerging athletes shaping the future of the sport, and we spotlight the planners, photographers, and volunteers who help make it all happen.

Here we are at the starting line, and like any good race, it's fueled by passion, preparation, and the people who show up. Thank you for joining us on Day One. We can’t wait to see where this goes.Keep running,

Keep moving, Claudia Mathis, Ed Editor-in-Chief

Add photo montage

Why I Run

BostonRunningScene

USATF-New England Open and Masters Track & Field Championshi

The New England Season Opener triathlon and duathlon was held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Hopkinton State Park. The New England Season Opener is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event. The spectacular event was run by Max Performance (link here )

The Triathlon and Duathlon was held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at the beautiful Hopkinton State Park. Hopkinton State Park is approximately 1500 acres and is located in Ashland and Hopkinton. On Sunday, the weather conditions were clear and windy for most of the race

The triathlon and duathlon included elite, collegiate and age-group competitors.

Start of the Elite Men's and Women's Triathlon at the New England Season Opener, May 18, 2025 at Hopkinton State Park

BostonRunningScene

The New England Season Opener triathlon and duathlon was held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Hopkinton State Park The New England Season Opener is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event. The spectacular event was run by Max Performance (link here.)

The Triathlon and Duathlon was held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at the beautiful Hopkinton State Park Hopkinton State Park is approximately 1500 acres and is located in Ashland and Hopkinton. On Sunday, the weather conditions were clear and windy for most of the race

The triathlon and duathlon included elite, collegiate and age-group competitors.

Conversation with Tim Richmond, triathlon race director

Running is more than just a sport it’s a lifestyle, a community, and for many, a family. At the heart of Lowell, NH, the Awesome Running Club has been a beacon for runners of all ages and abilities We sat down with Jenny Peters, the president of the club, to learn about its history, its impact, and what makes it such a beloved part of the community

Tell us about the origins of the Awesome Running Club. How did it all begin?

Jenny Peters: It all started back in 1982, with just a handful of passionate runners who wanted a place to connect and train together. What began as casual weekend meet-ups quickly grew as more people heard about the sense of community we were building. It was never just about running; it was about supporting each other and celebrating the journey.

What was the vision for the club when it first started? Has that evolved over time?

Jenny Peters: Our vision has always been about inclusivity and community spirit We wanted to

4x800 Relay at the USATF-NE Night at the Track, December 27, 2024, TRACK at New Balance, Boston, MA

Boston Running Scene

Running is more than just a sport it’s a lifestyle, a community, and for many, a family. At the heart of Lowell, NH, the Awesome Running Club has been a beacon for runners of all ages and abilities We sat down with Jenny Peters, the president of the club, to learn about its history, its impact, and what makes it such a beloved part of the community

Tell us about the origins of the Awesome Running Club. How did it all begin?

Jenny Peters: It all started back in 1982, with just a handful of passionate runners who wanted a place to connect and train together. What began as casual weekend meet-ups quickly grew as more people heard about the sense of community we were building. It was never just about running; it was about supporting each other and celebrating the journey.

What was the vision for the club when it first started? Has that evolved over time?

Jenny Peters: Our vision has always been about inclusivity and community spirit. We wanted to

The Boston 10K

of the USATF Masters 10K Championships, April 27, 2025, Dedham, MA

Nora Cary and Jan Holmquist did not disappoint their fans Cary broke the existing 70-74 10 km American record for the third time this year, clocking 43:20. Once the three are verified, the fastest of those three, this one, will become the new American record. It is 21 seconds faster than her time at the World Masters Athletics Championships last month. Jan Holmquist added her name to the W80 record book. Her amazing 52:45, at age 80, smashed the existing record by a whopping 2:25!

It was the same story in the men’s race as last year The multiple-time U S Mountain Running Champion and World Mountain Running Champion, Joseph Gray, claimed his second straight win, this time in 30:58. He was pressed more closely this time by silver medalist, Mario Vazquez. Gray enjoyed an 18-second win last year; this year, his cushion was nine seconds. Justin Freeman nailed the bronze medal in 32:33.

Start

PIONEERS Run Crew

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK MATHIS

PIONEERS Run Crew

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK MATHIS

Boston Running Scene

The Harvest Triathlon

PHOTOGRAPHY

This reimagined Boston 5K delivered packed with world class performances, spirited amateur runs, and the unmistakable taste of Marathon Week It was fast, fresh,andfirmlyanchoredinBoston’sspirit Andformany,crossingthatfinishlineonBoylstonwasamilestoneinitself

At20,Eritrea'sDawitSeareexecutedamasterclassintacticalracing Despiteaslowstart(1kmsplitin2:55),hesurgedmidwaytopreventafinalsprint,taking control with about 500m to go and holding nerves and pace to finish in 13:33 He noted, “The pace was a little slow at the beginning I started surging I wantedtotakethekickoutoftheotherrunners”

ThisreimaginedBoston5Kdelivered packedwithworld classperformances,spiritedamateurruns,andtheunmistakabletasteofMarathonWeek Itwasfast,fresh, andfirmlyanchoredinBoston’sspirit Andformany,crossingthatfinishlineonBoylstonwasamilestoneinitself

At20,Eritrea'sDawitSeareexecutedamasterclassintacticalracing Despiteaslowstart(1kmsplitin2:55),hesurgedmidwaytopreventafinalsprint,takingcontrol withabout500mtogoandholdingnerves andpace tofinishin13:33 Henoted,“Thepacewasalittleslowatthebeginning Istartedsurging Iwantedtotake thekickoutoftheotherrunners”

ThisreimaginedBoston5Kdelivered packedwithworld classperformances,spiritedamateurruns,andtheunmistakabletasteofMarathonWeek Itwasfast,fresh, andfirmlyanchoredinBoston’sspirit Andformany,crossingthatfinishlineonBoylstonwasamilestoneinitself

At20,Eritrea'sDawitSeareexecutedamasterclassintacticalracing Despiteaslowstart(1kmsplitin2:55),hesurgedmidwaytopreventafinalsprint,takingcontrol withabout500mtogoandholdingnerves andpace tofinishin13:33 Henoted,“Thepacewasalittleslowatthebeginning Istartedsurging Iwantedtotake thekickoutoftheotherrunners”

The Gloucester Sprint

From fueling strategies to injury prevention and mental recovery, health and wellness play a crucial role in a runner’s journey. In Boston home to one of the world’s most iconic marathons and a deeply rooted running culture we caught up with [Expert’s Name], a health and wellness professional specializing in runners. Based in Boston, [he/she/they] work[s] with everyone from recreational joggers to elite marathoners

How has being based in Boston influenced your work with runners?

"Boston is a city where running isn’t just a sport it’s part of the culture. With so many races, clubs, and running groups, it’s a unique place to see how community, history, and competition come together. It’s also a hub for innovation in sports medicine and nutrition, which has definitely shaped how I practice."

What’s one of the biggest nutrition mistakes you see runners make?

"Underfueling especially in the days leading up to a race. A lot of runners think 'light equals fast,' but without proper glycogen stores, performance suffers. It's about fueling smart, not just eating less."

What’s your go-to pre-run or pre-race nutrition advice?

"Find what works for your stomach and stick to it. Complex carbs, a bit of protein, and avoiding too much fiber before the start are key And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate especially in Boston’s unpredictable spring weather "

What are your top strategies for post-run recovery?

What are your top strategies for post-run recovery?

"Rehydrate, refuel, and rest. A simple carbprotein snack within 30 minutes can jumpstart recovery I also encourage runners to add mobility work, sleep tracking, and mental decompression especially after big races "

How do you approach injury prevention for runners training in an urban environment like Boston?"

A mix of strength training, varied terrain, and cross-training Boston’s hills and sidewalks can be tough on the body, so I focus on building resilience in the joints and emphasizing recovery between long runs "

What’s your personal goal when working with a runner?"

To help them run happy, healthy, and longterm I want runners to leave each season stronger and smarter than when they started "

"Rehydrate, refuel, and rest. A simple carb-protein snack within 30 minutes can jumpstart recovery. I also encourage runners to add mobility work, sleep tracking, and mental decompression especially after big races "

How do you approach injury prevention for runners training in an urban environment like Boston?"

A mix of strength training, varied terrain, and cross-training Boston’s hills and sidewalks can be tough on the body, so I focus on building resilience in the joints and emphasizing recovery between long runs."

What’s your personal goal when working with a runner?"

To help them run happy, healthy, and long-term I want runners to leave each season stronger and smarter than when they started "

What are your top strategies for post-run recovery?

"Rehydrate, refuel, and rest. A simple carbprotein snack within 30 minutes can jumpstart recovery I also encourage runners to add mobility work, sleep tracking, and mental decompression especially after big races "

How do you approach injury prevention for runners training in an urban environment like Boston?"

A mix of strength training, varied terrain, and cross-training Boston’s hills and sidewalks can be tough on the body, so I focus on building resilience in the joints and emphasizing recovery between long runs "

What’s your personal goal when working with a runner?"

To help them run happy, healthy, and longterm. I want runners to leave each season stronger and smarter than when they started "

What are your top strategies for post-run recovery?

"Rehydrate, refuel, and rest. A simple carb-protein snack within 30 minutes can jumpstart recovery. I also encourage runners to add mobility work, sleep tracking, and mental decompression especially after big races "

How do you approach injury prevention for runners training in an urban environment like Boston?"

A mix of strength training, varied terrain, and cross-training Boston’s hills and sidewalks can be tough on the body, so I focus on building resilience in the joints and emphasizing recovery between long runs."

What’s your personal goal when working with a runner?"

To help them run happy, healthy, and long-term I want runners to leave each season stronger and smarter than when they started "

Athlete Profile: Andre Baynes

I’ve seen you run the 400 meters at a number of events at BU, New Balance and Harvard. When you competed in college, what events did you run at Tufts?

I ran the 100 and 200 hundred at Tufts. I ran an occasional 400. My coach Connie Putnam (who I still talk to these days) put me in a 400 because they were a 4 x 4 relay. A few guys were injured so I was put in the relay. I primarily ran the 100 meter dash and 200 meter dash.

Do you run the 60 meters indoors?

I used to run 60 indoors as well and that's it's just too ballistic of a race. But it's too short of a race with a high possibility of injury in those races. For longevity sake, I decided to switch over to the 400 to training for the 400 meters. The 200 was my favorite race in college. It's a little bit different but the 200 was always my sweet spot.

How do you get it involved with track and field from the beginning?

It really started in high school. I had always been told I was quick, so I decided to go out for track in the eighth grade. I went to a very big high school in New York, there were about 1,000 people in my senior class. I tried out for the team and made it, that really started my career in track.

Were you able to compete in the world championships in Sweden?

Yeah, I did not make the world championships in Sweden. I decided not to go, although there are a couple articles on the internet talking about my participation. I did intend to go but I was partially injured, with a back injury. That said, I have been to several world championships starting back to 2015.

The first one was in France. Since then I've been pretty much all over the world to a variety of different world championship. I try to go pretty much every time the world championships are held. After France, I went to Spain, South Korea and Australia. I sort of use it as an excuse to travel, but the running and competing has taken me all over the world. It's been great to go!T

Early in the women’s 3000M at Grand Slam Track - Philadelphia, May 31, 2025, Philadelphia, MA

Boston Running Scene

Melissa Jefferson Wooden’s clocked a PB of 21.99, breaking Franklin Field’s facility record and narrowly beating Olympic champ Gabby Thomas (22.10). Followed up with a wind legal 10.73, a world-leading mark, tying her as the 10th-fastest woman in history This sweep in sprint events didn't just reflect pure speed it indicated meticulous race pacing, explosive drive off the blocks, and psychological dominance across two straight days.

Melissa Jefferson Wooden’s clocked a PB of 21.99, breaking Franklin Field’s facility record and narrowly beating Olympic champ Gabby Thomas (22 10) Followed up with a wind legal 10 73, a world-leading mark, tying her as the 10th-fastest woman in history. This sweep in sprint events didn't just reflect pure speed it indicated meticulous race pacing, explosive drive off the blocks, and psychological dominance across two straight days.

Melissa Jefferson Wooden’s clocked a PB of 21 99, breaking Franklin Field’s facility record and narrowly beating Olympic champ Gabby Thomas (22 10) Followed up with a wind legal 10 73, a world-leading mark, tying her as the 10th-fastest woman in history. This sweep in sprint events didn't just reflect pure speed it indicated meticulous race pacing, explosive drive off the blocks, and psychological dominance across two straight days

Melissa Jefferson Wooden’s clocked a PB of 21 99, breaking Franklin Field’s facility record and narrowly beating Olympic champ Gabby Thomas (22.10). Followed up with a wind legal 10.73, a world-leading mark, tying her as the 10th-fastest woman in history. This sweep in sprint events didn't just reflect pure speed it indicated meticulous race pacing, explosive drive off the blocks, and psychological dominance across two straight days

Melissa Jefferson‑Wooden’s clocked a PB of 21 99, breaking Franklin Field’s facility record and narrowly beating Olympic champ Gabby Thomas (22.10). Followed up with a wind legal 10 73, a world-leading mark, tying her as the 10th-fastest woman in history This sweep in sprint events didn't just reflect pure speed it indicated meticulous race pacing, explosive drive off the blocks, and psychological dominance across two straight days

Melissa Jefferson Wooden’s clocked a PB of 21.99, breaking Franklin Field’s facility record and narrowly beating Olympic champ Gabby Thomas (22.10). Followed up with a wind legal 10.73, a world-leading mark, tying her as the 10th-fastest woman in history. This sweep in sprint events didn't just reflect pure speed it indicated meticulous race pacing, explosive drive off the blocks, and psychological dominance across two straight days.

Melissa Jefferson Wooden’s clocked a PB of 21.99, breaking Franklin Field’s facility record and narrowly beating Olympic champ Gabby Thomas (2210) Followed up with a wind‑legal 10.73, a world-leading mark, tying her as the 10th-fastest woman in history. This sweep in sprint events didn't just reflect pure speed—it indicated meticulous race pacing, explosive drive off the blocks, and psychological dominance across two straight days.

USATF Region 1

Junior Olympic Championships

Coach’s corner: Brian Crossman

Road Mile Championships

Health and Wellness with Cheryl

Triathlon event: Hyannis 1

NE Junior Olympics

Triathlon - Whaling City

Triathlon - Sharon

Essay - I was thinking...

Parting shot

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