Wedding party dominates Harbor Fest races

Mon, 09/02/2019 - 10:30am

For Mike Griffin and Linda Fortunato, the annual Boothbay Region YMCA Harbor Fest 5k race took on a special meaning. After Sunday’s run, the couple from Rochester, Massachusetts were to be married. 

Although the bride and groom did not win the 5k, their officiate, Chris Harmon of Westbrook, won the half marathon in 1:15:56, well ahead of another wedding party member, Mike Grasela of New Bedford, Massachusetts, whose time was 1:22:35. Caitlyn Germain of Spencer, Massachusetts was also in the party and was the women’s half marathon winner in 1:35:26.

In total, 11 finishers were invited guests at the wedding set for 5 p.m. that day. “After I take a nap,” said Harmon.

It was not a coincidence. The wedding guests were members of the Susi running club and had become friends at Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.

In all, 300 runners were signed up for the event, according to race director Casey Clark Kelly. The pair of David (20:19) and Nicole (22:32) Hughson of Charleston, Massachusetts finished first in the men’s and women’s divisions of the 5k race. Shaun and Ali Craig of Monmouth planned to race the 5k by pushing their daughter, Frankie, 2, in her stroller.

Bowdoin College graduates April Menez and Ava Alexander reunited to run together. “We are excited,” said Menez.

Complete lists of runners and times and age groupings are attached.