The Ipswich Ale Half Marathon for Ipswich-Rowley Rotary returned this year and once again attracted hundreds of runners to the spectacular 13.1 mile course in Ipswich. The race starts and ends at Castle Hill, and proceeds along the bucolic by-ways of Ipswich to benefit the Rotary club’s scholarship program and other service projects in Ipswich and Rowley.
As in the past, most of the competitors came from the Boston and North Shore area. But, several runners travelled from other New England states, Alaska, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, DC.
We congratulate all the winners. There were winners in each category, winners who ran their best times, and winners who completed the challenge of this scenic but challenging road race. But, the big winners on Saturday were the young scholars of Ipswich and Rowley who will receive scholarships, as well as our friends and neighbors in these communities who benefit from Rotary’s on-going service and charitable activities.
Reed Dolan of Ipswich finished first among all runners with a time of 1:11:30 minutes. Reed led a large pack of runners from start to finish. Following the race he told the Ipswich Local News that although this was his first time competing in the event he was familiar with the course. Reed works at the beach gate in the summer, so this was ‘kind of my morning commute’.
The fastest woman this year was Julianna Catania of Brookline with a time of 1:28:24. Sarah Lynam of Ipswich was second among the women, with a time of 1:32:57.
Tom Lynam posted the best time for men ages 30-39 with 1:32:50. Dan Healey of Ipswich was the fastest man over 60, finishing with a time of 1:35:42. Jack MacLaughlin of Anchorage, Alaska travelled the greatest distance and celebrated with a good time of 1:31:20.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary also must acknowledge our winning team of major sponsors, without whom this wonderful event would not be possible:
| Ipswich Ale Brewery | Institution for Savings |
| Bank Gloucester | Trustees of Reservations |
| Ipswich Family YMCA | Beverly Hospital |
We also are very grateful to the following organizations whose considerable contributions were vital to the success of the event:
| Action Ambulance | Baystate Physical Therapy |
| East End Bagels | Ipswich Police Department |
| Kayem Foods | Ipswich Department of Public Works |
| Pomodori Pizza |
And, our special thanks go to the many Rotarians and local residents who generously volunteered their time and talent.
Finally, thanks to all the runners who participated. We’ll see you next year!