The winter has showcased a large variety of its personality this year: two feet of snow, frigid temperatures and now, a new phenomenon --- cold rain

Caumsett 50k- March 2, 2003 As reported by Rich Innamorato

The winter has showcased its various personalities this year: two feet of snow, frigid temperatures and now, a new phenomenon --- cold rain. The last was the scene for the inaugural Caumsett Park 50K on the north shore of Long Island on March 2. The 50K was also the opener of the 2003 New York Ultra Running Grand Prix Series. But the wet and raw weather could not dampen the spirit of these grand prix participants. Fifty runners toed the starting line in a wide collection of rain gear. It seemed the ultra ducks were preparing more for a perfect storm than an ultra distance.

This race was another brainchild of Vinny Croce, and was hosted and sponsored by the Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC). Vinny and his chief of staff, Bob Sherman coordinated a top-flight event under difficult conditions. Vinny and Bob are also the pitchmen for the newyorkultrarunning.org web site and its grand prix series. Both have worked tirelessly to promote grand prix interest in the Metropolitan area.

The Caumsett race site was more than a modest 2.3-mile circuit around a park. The site was a former estate, once owned by Marshall Field III during the Gatsby era. The estate was designed with a mansion, a farm and acres of woodlands and equestrian trails. There are also bluffs overlooking the Long Island Sound. With remnants of the winter snow, the race loop resembled a Currier and Ives greeting card. But the course could be more challenging than a Sunday stroll. It included a climb on the backstretch, which tested the runners fortitude.

The course and weather was not a problem for Garrett Graubins of Connecticut. Garrett methodically pulled away from the field to win in a time of 3:31:48. The 26-minute margin of victory was a surprise among the bystanders. Garrett seemed to be in cruise control throughout the race. His only obstacle all day was locking his car keys inside his vehicle. He may consider mass transit the next time. Following Graubins was Brian Teason of Vermont. Brian was one of the best runners during the late 90s, winning many ultras with national class performances. But injuries and personal matters have slowed the Teason express. His 2^nd place finish was an encouraging step in his comeback of the new Millennium. Up and coming Paul Arlt from New Jersey finished third in 4:12:08.

The womens race was no contest and won handedly by Jodi Kartes-Heino in 4:43:47. Recovery does not appear to be an issue for the Long Islander from the East End. Just two weeks earlier, Jodi won the Metropolitan 50-Miler. And last year, Jodi encountered a serious bicycle accident, and before all the stitches were removed, she won the Long Island 50-mile Endurance Run. Being a GLIRC member, Jodi was naturally a local choice, and could be a name to follow at the next ultra level. Placing 2^nd was another GLIRC favorite, Helma Clavin. Kenyan, Bellah Katanga rounded out the top three.

No matter the situation, GLIRC has been a constant standout in the ultra world. For almost two decades, GLIRC has coordinated a variety of ultra races from 50K to 24 hours. The GLIRC ultra program began with the Davidsons: Michael, Larry and Mindy. Nick Palazzo, then became the heir apparent director, and has nurtured first rate ultra events throughout the years. GLIRC has been backed by excellent support, through the efforts of Mike Polansky, its President and also an ultra runner. This century, the club with the emergence of Croce and Sherman, has expanded new ultra challenges. Their 2003 calendar will include four ultras, including two of the trail variety. There are other GLIRC people behind the scenes, like Barry Aronowsky, Paul Cooper, David Redman and Paul Seltzer, who are cornerstones of these events. And the GLIRC volunteers are excellent. You should have seen them Sunday, dodging raindrops and working in spectacular fashion.

Ironically, the rain stopped minutes after the race ended. When I exited the Park, there was a striking sunset with the inlet and the cliffs of Lloyd Harbor as a backdrop. It reminded me of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. We had to take a photo. It was a very eventful day.

The next two Grand Prix events are the Sybil Ludington 50K at Carmel, NY on April 26 and the Long Island Greenbelt Trail 50K on May 17. Get race applications from this web site.