September 18th I went to the 1st Annual Dick Atkinson 5k in Southwick,Ma. . The uniqueness of this race was #1- it was organised by a good friend of mine and #2- it was put on to pay tribute to a coach that is still coaching. Dick Atkinson has now coached and taught in Southwick for the past 48 years. And it was easy to tell how he has been a great an influence to his students. How could I tell??? Most of the people that came out to the race came because they had been his student or coached by him. The stories I heard were all very inspiring and told by people of all ages.

Coach Atkinson(3rd from right) is pictured with a part of the organizing group. Included in that group, and seen with me in the other pictures are- coach Atkinson, Lee Haseltine, and Craig.

It was easy to tell that this race was put on by runners. Everything was right on the money. Lee was the main organizer. Him and I met at a race 2 years ago and have been friends ever since. He is the Southwick girls cross country coach, and has been written about in running columns, while coach Atkinson coaches the boys team. Craig and Lee go many places every week running in races and their experience paid off in putting this race together.

This was a well thought out, well laid out and well put on race that you will enjoy running. Check out the next 2 stories to see some of the people that made it that Saturday.

Great Job Folks. And Congratulations and much more continued success to Coach Dick Atkinson.