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.