I have been hearing GREAT things about Dave Simmons’ Red Rooster Ramble Series for a long time. Living about 1 hour away (in Wakefield), and working everyday has made it tough to get there in time for the 6:30pm start (until now).

After dropping of my kids at Gina’s parent’s house in Bristol, Gina and I drove about 10 minutes to Warren in search of the starting line. We drove around Market Street and Child Street for about 5 minutes until we spotted the RIRR Banner hanging on the outside of the Pub. We pulled into the parking lot across the street and saw a bunch of familiar runners stretching. Not knowing what the procedure was, I asked Chuck Hyson what we do. He told me to go into the Pub. Dave Simmons will be inside. Just give him $3 (each) and sign the waver. Chuck also asked us if we wanted to start early. He told us that Joe Pascale and the Kurzynski’s were starting early. I had never been to a race that was set up on the honor system before. It had the feeling of a golf tournament. I liked the laid back feeling. Gina and I were thinking about starting early, but then decided it would be more fun to go with the main group. That would also give me an opportunity to get some photos at the start.

The race started at the edge of a fence (about a block from the Pub) near the parking lot of a baseball field. When we arrived at the start, Dave Simmons was there with a little wicker basket. I wondered what it was for. He placed it on the ground at the starting line, and to my amusement, about a dozen people walked up to it and dropped their car keys (what a brilliant idea) into it for safe keeping. After that, Dave gave us our instructions, and then started the race. There was no gun. Just a verbal runners set? Go! We were off…

The race started in the parking lot and quickly went onto a narrow path behind a baseball field. On the other side of the baseball field (about ¼ mile) we turned right onto the East Bay Bike Path. We followed the bike path until Mile Marker #1. Then we took a right turn onto Sowams Road (Barrington). At about 1 ¼ miles there was a water stop set-up. We continued on Sowams Road. Just after Mile Marker #2, we turned left onto Kent Street. Kent Street has a little park with lots of dense woods. It is a good place for a pee stop (if you need one). At about 2 ½ miles we turned left onto New Meadow Road. Mile Marker #3 is on New Meadow Road. At about 3 ¾ miles we turned left onto Crossways Street. At about Mile 3.9 (on Crossways Street) there is another water stop. Actually it is the same water stop. It is just moved around to the other side of the house (which is on the corner of Sowams Road and Crossways Street) for the convenience of the runners. Just after the water stop we turned right back onto Sowams Road. Just after Mile Marker #4. We turned left back onto the East Bay Bike Path (Warren). We followed the bike path to Market Street. Just before Market Street was the finish line. When we arrived at the finish, there was line painted on the ground. Dave Simmons stands there with his clip board, and records your time (and gets heckled by his friends). After you finish, there is a table set-up with water. After the race, some people walked back to the pub (about a block away) for food and drinks. Unfortunately, Gina and I had to leave. We had to go get the kids and drive back to Wakefield to get them home and ready for school the next day.

Overall it was an awesome experience. The course was flat and fast (just how I like it). If you are looking to set a 5 mile PR, this is the place to do it. Running the race for the first time was easy. The miles were VERY CLEARLY marked with large signs. The turns were also well marked with signs. There were 2 water stops. The atmosphere was very friendly and relaxed. Gina and I both had a great time. Thanks Dave for putting on such a great race! I will (hopefully) be back on August 31st to try and break my 5 mile PR (29:52)…