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A CONVERSATION WITH BOB LAUNDRY
The above announcement appears in The Independent every week, and Bob Laundry makes sure he's at the corner of Beach and Easton, no matter what the weather, because, after all, someone has to be the timekeeper. Brant Point Runners, begun by Laundry in 1991 Laundry in 1991 as a way to institute a weekly organized road race, is now in its 17th year - its longevity a tribute to Laundry's commitment to running and to island athletics. He got the idea to start Brant Point Runners when he saw how successful regular runs on the Cape and mainland were. For his course, he chose the running portion of the old Winthrop Triathlon that began on Easton Street. Under Laundry's supervision, and with the help of his regular running partners, other runners soon made it part of their routine. In the first year, Mary (Pease) Taaffe came up with the name, it stuck, and Brant Point Runners was on its way to becoming a Nantucket tradition. For Laundry, it was another way to contribute to the island's wellbeing. Ayear earlier, he, Jane Hilger and Sherry Whelden opened the Nantucket Health Club on Young's Way. Dave and Sandy Schulz have since taken over the business, but Laundry still organizes the club's two road races - the July 4th Firecracker 5K and the Nantucket Winter Run, held during the Christmas Stroll. His passion for running began after he "went from 287 pounds to 160 pounds one summer." In the course of beginning a rigorous exercise regime, he says, "I got hooked on aerobic training." His first running partner was Shelly Lamb and she encouraged him to compete in the Boston Milk Run. Today, Laundry regularly takes part in races most weekends with his girlfriend, Cheryl Armitage. Last weekend, for example, they both traveled to a race in Brockton. Laundry runs three or four times a week yearround. One of the things he likes about running is that you don't have to be quick afoot to reap the benefits. "The interesting thing is that no matter how fast or slow you are you get the same experience out of it," he said. For 15 years, he was owner of the cable television station that is now Channel 17. His involvement was a decidedly hands-on experience. "I shot the board of selectmen's meetings for 15 years straight," he said, noting that the time spent behind the camera taught him a lot about town government. Today, he keeps up his affiliation with the station by manning the video camera for Whaler football games, and by subleasing time from current station owner Geno Geng to put school sports on the air with Dick Herman. As spring approaches, the Brant Point Runners weekly field will begin to increase. "It peaks in July," he said. The number of participants can reach as high as thirty-seven. "We have a lot of repeat people who come back every summer." For now, however, Laundry takes pleasure in the devotion of mainstays like Bob Kennedy, Margretta Mantes, Ken Blackshaw, Jim Manchester, Lisa Rance, Lorraine Martin and Ken Gullicksen. He knows what running means to them.
Because it means just as much to him. I BRANT POINT RUNNERS Runners meet Saturdays rain or shine at 8:45 a. m. at the corner of Beach and Easton streets for a 9:00 a.m. start. The 5K (3.1 miles) run is on paved roads over a mostly flat course that is accurately wheel measured, with one hill and some moderate grades. Runners of all abilities, from beginners to veterans, are welcome. There are no entry fees. For information call (508) 228-0206. |
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