On a chilly Saturday, December 6 with the icy breeze skirting along the sea, 300 Santas descended on Mattapoisett’s Shipyard Park for the Santa Stampede road race.
The 5K began at the park and went past the town beach, up Ned’s Point Road to and around the lighthouse, around Tupola Lane and back down Water Street to the finish. A man dressed as the Grinch – or possibly the Grinch himself – was at the head of the pack on a bicycle. Typical. All others came dressed as Saint Nick or received their complimentary outfits from the starting line. There was also a healthy number of elves to help the large number of Santas.
The race began at 9:00 am sharp, with a little over 300 registered racers at the starting line. With some walkers, some runners, and some being pushed in a stroller, the line of Santas stretched uninterrupted from downtown to Ned’s Point.
For men’s results, 34-year-old Kiefer Calisto of New Bedford finished first (bib #251; 18:36.7), 29-year-old Ethan Souza of Fairhaven finished second (bib #164; 18:50.6), and 37-year-old Eric Place of East Hampton, Connecticut finished third (bib #167; 19:26.6).
For women’s results, 22-year-old Maggie Carroll of Fairhaven finished first (bib #190; 19:32.0), 34-year-old Kalie Marion of New Bedford finished second (bib #28; 21:59.1), and 24-year-old Reagan Dasneves of Fairhaven finished third (bib #296; 23:07.9).
Fastest man and woman from the Tri-Town were Andrew Mullen of Marion (bib #225; 20:45.0) and Penny Prather of Mattapoisett (bib #222; 26:29.9). The Santas had great success on their detour to Mattapoisett, if only to have to return to the North Pole after. Proceeds of the race were donated to various Multiple Sclerosis foundations
Mattapoisett Santa Stampede 5K
By Sam Bishop