Highlight: Road Racing in Plymouth

   Several years ago, I met a man at my restaurant, and he expressed a desire to see Old Sandwich Road paved.

   Having grown up in the area, and having fond memories of all the rustic beauty and history in the area, I asked him why.

   He told me, simply, that he lived in the area, and wanted a smooth shortcut to the amenities in the Pinehills commercial area.

   I remember telling him to take some time to explore the area, and research the history, and consider how the road and the area would change if it became a central corridor from the south to the center.

   Not long after, he brought binders full of information on Sacrifice Rock, Clam Pudding Pond, the deer reservation, Savery Pond and Savery Cemetery, the old Rye Tavern, and Daniel Webster’s mail route for me to look at.

   The man began exploring the area, and as an avid runner, he began using the road to train.

   A few months later, he began organizing The Old Sandwich Road Race, a half-marathon that passed through the area, and he began highlighting the history of the course.  He formed Plymouth Rock Racing, and began holding many other races in Plymouth, in addition to the signature Old Sandwich Road Race.

   After several successful years, Craig Brenner called me to tell me about a race he was holding in my neighborhood.  It was to be Plymouth’s first organized off-road trail race, a St. Patrick’s Day 5k Trail Run to be held at Hedges Pond Recreation Area, a beautiful pond and conservation area the town purchased a couple of years ago using CPC funding, and which was set up to be self-sustaining financially as a day camp for the town’s children.

   He asked me to speak to the crowd about the trails and open space in Plymouth and blow the whistle to start the race.

   On race day, I stood before the crowd, the sun glinting off the pristine lake, and I was flooded with emotion as I took the whole scene in.  Here was a man who was inspired by a conversation we had, and through his hard work and dedication, our precious areas were be highlighted and put to good use.

   I congratulate Mr. Brenner and his Plymouth Rock Racing outfit, as the events he organizes bring hundreds of people into our town each year, and these folks stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, shop in our shops, and explore the rest of our town.

   Not only is he promoting tourism and good health, but he is also getting folks out to see more of what Plymouth has to offer besides our waterfront, beaches, and downtown.

   I wish Mr. Brenner luck as he begins organizing this year’s Old Sandwich Road Race.