16th Annual Dog Bowl Run

 16th Annual Dog Bowl Run Results 11/29/2024

Place Name Estimated Actual Deficit
  1. 1 Mike McNeilly 23:32 23:38 0:06
  2. 2 Leo McNeilly 25:42 25:56 0:12
  3. 3 Amy Lopes 44:44 44:18 0:26
  4. 4 Ed Lopes 44:45 44:19 0:26
  5. 5 Steven Lopes 27:30 27:59 0:29
  6. 6 Frank McNeilly 29:56 29:25 0:31
  7. 7 Dave Markert 27:10 27:45 0:35
  8. 8 Jack Hughes 26:35 27:40 1:05
  9. 9 Jim Parham 39:30 37:46 1:44
  10. 10 Dan Force 33:50 31:33 2:17
  11. 11 Eliza Sardinha 54:33 51:54 2:39
  12. 12 Eric Sardinha 54:33 51:54 2:39
  13. 13 Matt Lopes 41:04 44:06 3:02
  14. 14 Deb McNeilly 32:47 29:14 3:33
  15. 15 Ryan McNeilly 32:55 29:22 3:33
  16. 16 Adam Hestad 32:56 29:22 3:34
  17. 17 Ali McNeilly 32:47 28:59 3:48
  18. 18Luke Markert 49:35 45:10 4:25
  19. 19 Ben Markert 40:00 45:10 5:10
  20. 20 Charlie Markert 39:18 45:10 5:52
  21. 21 Jenn T-Pak Barrera 62:37 55:40 6:57
  22. 22 Ben Lopes 33:33 26:31 7:02
  23. 23 Harper Gaudet 35:00 44:35 9:35
  24. 24 Tim Lopes 34:15 44:29 10:15
  25. 25 Isabel Sardinha 40:00 51:53 11:53
Congratulations to Mike McNeilly for his unprecedented 5th Dog Bowl Run victory. In usual fashion, Mike led the pack as the fastest finisher, completing the 3-mile course in 23:38 just :06 seconds slower than his estimated time. In second place was Mike’s son Leo with just a :12 second deficit. Based on some of Leo’s past results, it looks as if he may be positioning himself to wrest command of the ’McNeilly DBR syndicate’ from his father. And rounding out the top three was Amy Celia Lopes with a :26 second deficit. This is Amy’s best finish among all of her DBR performances. It appears she may finally have her time estimating figured out. Amy actually tied with husband Ed. But, she completed the course :01 faster than he did, and DBR rules state that the higher place goes to the faster finisher.
The weather was just about perfect for an afternoon post-Thanksgiving run with mostly clear skies, and temperatures in the mid-40s°F. We had another good turnout, with twenty-five participants toeing the line, and a few non-competing friends joining in the festivities. Besides the event’s winner, we would also like to give a tip of the cap to returning former DBR winners: Jack Hughes, Cuzn Dan Force, Steven Lopes “Dog Sr.”, Jim Luis Parham , Charlie Markert, and Dave Markert. We had a couple of DBR first time participants, including Jennifer “T-Pak” Jennifer Barrera who heretofore has been outspoken in her maligning of the event. Apparently she rather enjoyed the proceedings and will likely be a participant going forward. And we also have to recognize another member of the McNeilly syndicate, Frank McNeilly “Ironman” as still the only person who has completed all 16 of the Dog Bowl Runs. Unfortunately Frank’s name has yet to appear at the top of the final results. But his unwavering dedication to the event is noteworthy.
The entire cadre of the Markert syndicate did toe the line this year. But the group seems to be plagued with a few injuries. Regardless, it was an outstanding show of support.
There was an unusual sight along the course…spectators. In the name of the patriarch and matriarch of the McNeilly syndicate. Frank’s and Mike‘s parents. I wanted to invite them back to the house for post-event festivities. But on the return route they had already departed. Fans and spectators along the course…specifically for the DBR…are an infrequent sight. It has happened. Notability at the 2nd annual DBR with Bill Douglas and Dean Prendergast as they hurled clam cakes from Flo’s Drive Inn at some of the competitors. Competitor Ed Lopes grabbed and consumed one of the delicacies, continued running, and moments later hurled himself. And, a couple of times since we’ve been on the current course, Rosemary Davidson has hollered support from her front porch as competitors passed her house.
The post-run socializing was fun, as always. Thanks to all who brought food. And finally I want to thank Emily Jane Force for volunteering to be the race administrator and recording finish times. And, thanks to Marie Force for setting up food and whatnot. 
It was a fun afternoon, and the 16th DBR was a success. Mark your calendars. The 17th Annual Dog Bowl Run is scheduled for Friday, November 28, 2025 at 3:00pm. Until next time — Scio te interiorem athletam — Know your inner athlete.
Reigning champion Dave Markert passes the relic to new champ Mike McNeilly

The trophy being presented to champion Mike McNeilly

(L to R) Ryan McNielly, Ali McNeilly, and Frank McNeilly discuss DBR tactics with former champion Dave Markert.

Emily Force recording finish times.

Socializing at the post-run ceremony. 

Socializing at the post-run ceremony

Former DBR champs Mike McNeilly and Jack Hughes discuss DBR tactics at the post-run festivities.

DBR first-timer Jennifer “T-Pak” Barrera and Pasta Queen Andrea Lopes at the post-run festivities.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

17th Annual Dog Bowl Run — 11/28/2025

Image
  The 17th Annual Dog Bowl Run is complete. For an unprecedented 6th time we’re congratulating Mike McNeilly as the Dog Bowl Run champion. Mike was just :05 seconds slower of his estimated time of  23:35 . In second place was Mike’s son, Leo, at just :06 seconds faster than his estimated time of  23:28 . In third place was former DBR champion Steven “Dog Sr.” Lopes. He was just :07 seconds slower than his estimated time of 28:00. The fastest finisher was Charles P. Markert with a time of  19:19 . We had yet another great turnout, with twenty-nine participants toeing the starting line. We also welcomed back former DBR champion Liam Callahan for the first time since his victory 2017. A few starters did not post a qualifying time (DNP), and there were only 23 finishers that registered a time. I think the weather was a factor, and they can’t be blamed for turning around early. With the steady winds, the high 30s° temperature felt much colder. We had a few first-timers wh...
Read more