As Marathon Day Nears, Runners Hit Their Stride

With the Boston Marathon less than a month away, this is the most intense time of year for a year old group of Harvard runners who are training together for the prestigious event.

The Griffin Club, which currently numbers 15 Winthrop House milers (including seven who graduated last June), was formed before last year's marathon to case the rigors of framing by turning the long workouts into social events. In addition to the official members, about 20 students also run with the club.

"Training is difficult, but preparing as a club brings out a good spirit." Michael W. Smart '84, one of three Winthrop residents who founded the group, said yesterday. The griffin is Winthrop's mascot.

"The club directs marathon fever towards a plausible goal," said Timothy Bechtold '84. "Marathons are very exciting and they're something that anyone can do." The Griffin Club is a bunch of people who have caught the fever," he added.

"When a marathon is two to three months away, it's difficult to get psyched," Smart explained. "Training with 15 or 25 others makes it a lot easier. The club take the seriousness out of something hard."

Long-Distance

The group's current schedule consists of a 14-18 mile run on early Sunday mornings and a late night midweek run of 5.7 miles.

In addition, the Griffins ran together in the recent Red Cross 10-kilometer race at the Boston Common, and plans to enter the Boston Milk race of the same distance on April 10.

In the Red Cross race, Rodney Pearson, a tutor who serves as the club's coach, finished fifth in the men's division, and Griffin Margaret M. Waters '84 took third place among women entrants.

Following this year's marathon, which will take place on April 18, the Griffins expect to admit a group of new members beyond the original 15. Although the current membership includes only Winthrop residents, the group plans to admit any Harvard runner who notifies them in advance and then completes the 26-2 mile race.