With early forecasts calling for downpours and high winds, the running of Dedham's unique race - founded by Martin Hanley - appeared to be a challenge. But the weather cooperated a bit, with temperatures in the mid-40s and a light rain falling at the 11 a.m. start.

The race is a six-mile jaunt through Dedham's more historic neighborhoods, with actors and actresses reading passages from the works of James Joyce, one of Ireland's most cherished and celebrated authors.

This year the race, which begins and ends in front of the town's majestic Endicott Estate, drew approximately 2,700 runners, Hanley noting the weather was a factor in the small number of race-day registrations.

Still the day didn't lack flavor, during or after the race.

The unseasonable weather was ideal for running, but the rain was a problem. That showed up in a slower pace than last year's race, in which Kenyan Stephen Kiogora shattered the 13-year-old course record with a 28:45.

This year Kiogora did not run, but countryman Zablon Mokaya made sure the Kenyans' maintained their stranglehold on the race. Mokaya crossed the line first in 29:35 to finish 1:10 behind Kiogora's time.

Paul Mwangi, a Kenyan who know resides in Ossining, N.Y., finished second in 29:40. Mokaya and Mwangi ran most of the race together but Mokaya began to pull away in the final stretch. He ran a 4:46 pace, with Mwangi right behind at 4:47.

Two of the top three women finishers were Kenyan as well. Agnes Ngunjiri ran a 5:29 pace to post a 34:01 to win, edging Blandford, MA's Amy Lyman, who ran a 34:35. Naomi Wangui, who was second last year, finished third in 34:38.

While the Kenyans definitely made their presence felt yesterday, they didn't seem to dominate the results like last year. Last year they claimed the top five spots, with Brighton's Jack Dwyer taking sixth. Yesterday Dwyer snuck into third in 30:25, with Boston's Lars Dietrich fourth and Albion, R.I.'s Chris Magill fifth.

Seana Carmean, of Amherst, was the fourth woman with a time of 35:01 and Mimi Corcoran, of Mendon, was fifth in 35:08.

Norwood's Chris Teague was the top local finisher on the men's side, covering the course in 32:06 (a 5:10 pace). Dedham's Dave Comforto was next (33:33), followed by Ben Nephew (33:43) of Canton and Dedham residents Lou Panaccione (36:30) and Chris Kelly (37:25).

Dedham's Shanna Nehiley was the top local woman, running a 36:54. Maria Conley of Norwood, who posted a 46:12, was second. Canton's Kate Cunningham (46:40) was third, followed by Westwood's Iva Conte (47:39) and Brenda Igizi (48:11).