The Boulevard Bolt

Press Box

Boulevard Bolt draws record despite drizzle

A record field of 6,258 participated in the Boulevard Bolt yesterday, making it the largest 5-mile race in the United States in the last two years, according to USA Track & Field.

By KIM SWINT
For The Tennessean

Local runners and walkers not only ignored drizzling rain to compete in yesterday's Boulevard Bolt 5-mile race on Belle Meade Boulevard, but also formed the largest field in the event's 10-year history.

A massive field of 6,258 participated yesterday, also making it the largest 5-mile race in the United States in the last two years according to USA Track & Field, the national governing organization for running.

Last year, the Boulevard Bolt had approximately 5,000 runners.

''We are delighted with the turnout,'' said race organizer Judy Skeen. ''With the rain we were a little skeptical about how many would show up but then we remembered it's actually perfect running weather for runners.''

The day was perfect for at least two runners - Bob Thiele, 25, and Vicki Crisp, 51, - who won the overall men's and women's titles with times of 25:08 and 29:49, respectively. Eric Legros, 34, and Carrie Greeway, 26, were the runner-up male and female participants with times of 25:55 and 29:55.

''I felt like I had the home-court-advantage today,'' said Crisp, a Nashville veterinarian who trains regularly on Belle Meade Boulevard. ''This is my home turf. I only live about a mile from here.''

Both Thiele and Crisp had to break out of a pack of lead runners after a few miles to claim their top spots. Most of the rest of the runners and walkers were there to finish, have fun, and get in a little exercise before overindulging in a Thanksgiving Day meal.

''It's a fun race. It's the same thing each year - everyone starts out fast and comes back slow,'' said David Reese, 14, a Hillsboro High runner who was running with some of his friends.

Even Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) took a break from reforming Medicare by running the Boulevard Bolt with his wife Karyn. The senator then left to spend more time in the rain duck hunting with his three sons.

''I've done every one of the Boulevard Bolt races from the beginning,'' said Frist after finishing the race in about 50 minutes. ''It's a great day to be thankful and celebrate a great America. After the last two challenging weeks in Washington D.C., it's nice to be able to come up for air.''

Frist recalled a vast array of temperatures during Bolt races through the years.

''The first year it was so cold I ran in a heavy down jacket,'' he said. ''Back then, people thought it was kind of strange to ask someone to come out on a day like Thanksgiving and exercise, but now that attitude has reversed. Each year more and more people are out here.''

Another Bolt regular, Lightning 100 disc jockey Laurel Creech was out running, but she wasn't wearing running shoes.

Instead, Creech had buckled onto her feet a contraption resembling snow boots with a spring strapped to the bottom.

''They are called Kangoo Jumps,'' said Creech displaying them proudly after finishing the 5-mile race. ''They help ease pounding on your knees, joints, and back. They come from Canada.''

Creech did run with caution on the turns, but didn't encounter any problems the rest of the time.

''They have a tire-like tread on the bottom, but you do have to take it slow on the turns,'' she said. ''I wear them at least three times a week for six to eight miles each time. It's suppose to burn 20% more calories than regular running.''

Kim Swint covers running for The Tennessean. She can be reached at kimswint@comcast.net.

		Press Box Boulevard Bolt draws record despite drizzle A record field of 6,258 participated in the Boulevard Bolt yesterday, making it the largest 5-mile race in the United States in the last two years, according to USA Track & Field. By KIM SWINT For The Tennessean Local runners and walkers not only ignored drizzling rain to compete in yesterday's Boulevard Bolt 5-mile race on Belle Meade Boulevard, but also formed the largest field in the event's 10-year history. A massive field of 6,258 participated yesterday, also making it the largest 5-mile race in the United States in the last two years according to USA Track & Field, the national governing organization for running. Last year, the Boulevard Bolt had approximately 5,000 runners. ''We are delighted with the turnout,'' said race organizer Judy Skeen. ''With the rain we were a little skeptical about how many would show up but then we remembered it's actually perfect running weather for runners.'' The day was perfect for at least two runners - Bob Thiele, 25, and Vicki Crisp, 51, - who won the overall men's and women's titles with times of 25:08 and 29:49, respectively. Eric Legros, 34, and Carrie Greeway, 26, were the runner-up male and female participants with times of 25:55 and 29:55. ''I felt like I had the home-court-advantage today,'' said Crisp, a Nashville veterinarian who trains regularly on Belle Meade Boulevard. ''This is my home turf. I only live about a mile from here.'' Both Thiele and Crisp had to break out of a pack of lead runners after a few miles to claim their top spots. Most of the rest of the runners and walkers were there to finish, have fun, and get in a little exercise before overindulging in a Thanksgiving Day meal. ''It's a fun race. It's the same thing each year - everyone starts out fast and comes back slow,'' said David Reese, 14, a Hillsboro High runner who was running with some of his friends. Even Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) took a break from reforming Medicare by running the Boulevard Bolt with his wife Karyn. The senator then left to spend more time in the rain duck hunting with his three sons. ''I've done every one of the Boulevard Bolt races from the beginning,'' said Frist after finishing the race in about 50 minutes. ''It's a great day to be thankful and celebrate a great America. After the last two challenging weeks in Washington D.C., it's nice to be able to come up for air.'' Frist recalled a vast array of temperatures during Bolt races through the years. ''The first year it was so cold I ran in a heavy down jacket,'' he said. ''Back then, people thought it was kind of strange to ask someone to come out on a day like Thanksgiving and exercise, but now that attitude has reversed. Each year more and more people are out here.'' Another Bolt regular, Lightning 100 disc jockey Laurel Creech was out running, but she wasn't wearing running shoes. Instead, Creech had buckled onto her feet a contraption resembling snow boots with a spring strapped to the bottom. ''They are called Kangoo Jumps,'' said Creech displaying them proudly after finishing the 5-mile race. ''They help ease pounding on your knees, joints, and back. They come from Canada.'' Creech did run with caution on the turns, but didn't encounter any problems the rest of the time. ''They have a tire-like tread on the bottom, but you do have to take it slow on the turns,'' she said. ''I wear them at least three times a week for six to eight miles each time. It's suppose to burn 20% more calories than regular running.'' Kim Swint covers running for The Tennessean. She can be reached at kimswint@comcast.net. Major Sponsors