Hot Time in the Big Fritty

This morning was the first ever Fritty 5K, in honor of Patrick Frye, killed in October, 2007. The race, which raised a boatload of money for a scholarship fund in his name, was an incredible success, and a real tribute not only to Patrick's memory, but to his friends and family who turned out by the hundreds on a gorgeous Sunday morning! Photos courtesy of http://www.johnpiekos.com/ and his RunCam, MCC's Jonathan Crockett out on the course, and Abby Vergados, Patrick's cousin and official finish-line cheerleader.

The E-Streeters, natch, were there in force. Here's the father-son duo at the start, making their point. Here's Carlos, telling everyone to get behind him, he's ready to race:

After some coaxing, here's me, inducting Tom Hildreth into the E Streeters. Welcome, Tom!

Sean, Pat, and Tom, under blue skies:

This would have been a great pic of Sean and I if someone hadn't gotten his melon in the picture. A melon probably like the one thrown that fateful morning in Tyngsboro.

Keith O'Brien, clearly supporting Governor Deval Patrick's proposed flagmen plan:

Andrew, moments after a series of shoutout to his LHS buddies, staffing spots along the course. Scott had some great running advice for the young lad: "Stop talking to all the girls and run!"

Carlos has ditched the hat, but not the running form:

Thumbs up to Jonathan for coming out to support us:

John, showing Jonathan that he hasn't broken a sweat yet:

Fantastic finish for Andrew (7th overall, first in his age group)

John finishes fierce (must be the encouragement from the sidelines)

The obligatory post-race shot, sans Sean, who couldn't get past being called Barry out on the course by a spectator. Also our only pic of Scott, who was running too fast to be captured on film.

The Twin Towers, ready for their next father-son race:

Big cheers for two of the many who successfully pulled everything together today, one of the funnest sister combos to be found anywhere in the Big Fritty, Abby and Julie!

And finally, a nice tribute to the man everyone pulled it all together for, Patrick Frye. Today, Lowell was definitely P Fritty City!