Of Stew, Hats, and Irishmen

True Irishmen took to the streets of Haverhill again yesterday, for the opening salvo in the triumvirate of races that has come to be known 'round these parts as the Wild Rover Series. With over 800 competitors for the three-mile race yesterday out of J.P. McBride's, the E Streeters represented well, in more ways than one. Andrew took top dog honors, finishing 24th overall, 3rd in his age group!

Once again, the pics that follow are an amalgam of my shots coupled with those of road race photog supreme, Jim Rhoades.

Here's the obligatory starting line shot. In honor of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland opening this week, that's the Mad Hatter in the middle. Barry, unfortunately, had a shoelace malfunction and couldn't stand up in time to get in the photo before the gun went off.

Barry, before the 1 mile mark, doesn't want to be seen running with Tommy and I.

Here's Tommy, with his running mate, the Working Man's Candidate (Tommy passed him, still ticked off at the gauntlet having been thrown his way by said candidate):

Here's Barry, going downhill:

Ditto for Tommy and the Mad Hatter (who also passed the Working Man's Candidate, vowing the avenge the slight he hurled at Tommy)

Representing the Kenny family, since Sean apparently overdosed on muffins, Jill had to carry the Irish race banner, and did so with honor.

Here, though, Jill's race has gone to the dogs. Apparently, she's beating out the Wild Rover we've heard so much about.

Some folks head to the beer lines after a race. For Barry, it's all about the stew. All 12 cups of it.

Next up: the Claddagh four miler this Sunday in Lawrence, and hopefully, more stew!