Competitive Races and Fast Times mark the 7th running of the USATF Masters 10 Km Championships hosted by the James Joyce Ramble
OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP. Kevin Castille, the 2017 Men’s Masters Road Runner of the Year, sprinted off to his usual early lead, with a gap developing back to the main chase group. David Angell, the defending Champion, and the B.A.A.’s Donal O’Sullivan took on the main pace-setting duties for the Chase Pack. Once they passed under Route 1 and raced through Dedham’s downtown area, Eric Blake came up onto Angell’s shoulder and the race for 2nd place was on. O’Sullivan tucked in behind, but soon had to let the pair go. After they crested the first steep hill and turned into the leafy neighborhoods, they were pleased to see that Castille was still in sight, even though they were not closing on him. Brendan Prindiville passed his teammate, O’Sullivan just before the 5K mark, and pulled away. O’Sullivan would later castigate himself for going out too fast, a common occurrence on this course with its tempting rolling downhill start and its competitive field. Angell and Blake tested each other over the next few miles; Angell would typically gain a few steps on the downhills, but Blake would quickly close the gap. Castille held his pace, building his lead to the finish as he took the win in 30:47, a very fast time on this rolling hills course. It was the first time any Masters athlete on this course has broken 32 minutes!
