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Run, Walk or Crawl; Healthy Fun at the Sullivan Run

Many generations of racers gathered at Washington Park in Oak Bluffs on Saturday morning to prepare for the 31st annual Sullivan 5K Walk/Run and to celebrate Dr. Louis W. Sullivan, who announced that he would be stepping down from leading the race this year.

Dr. Sullivan and his wife Ginger founded the race in 1989, the year that he became a member of George H.W. Bush’s cabinet as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He said that it started as a way to become better acquainted with members of his department and a way to raise awareness for his employees to practice what they preach, which is promoting a healthy standard of living.

“But time passes,” he added. “It’s been about three years since I’ve been able to run or walk in the race myself.”

The leadership role for the Sullivan 5K, which will maintain its name even after Dr. Sullivan steps down, will be transferred to Dr. Pieter Pil, chief medical officer at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, who wore the number two bib on his chest.

“Dr. Pil is a great leader,” Dr. Sullivan said. “I know that he is someone who can continue to build on the tradition and carry the race to new heights.”

According to the tradition, the race starts in two heats with the walkers setting off 30 minutes before the runners. Surprisingly, it was a member of the walking, or speed-walking, heat that finished first.

Marston Clough, a 76 year-old Vineyard Haven took home the gold in a near photo finish with a time of 36:16.

“It’s harder to walk fast than it is to jog slow,” Mr. Clough said between gulps of water. “But I feel lucky to be able to do it… and to be a part of all of this.”

The winner of the running heat was Ryan O’Connor, 38, from Bristol, Conn., clocking in at 17:58. This is the second year in a row that Mr. O’Connor has won the Sullivan 5K, though he added a few seconds since his victory last year, he said.

“This is only the second time I’ve even been on the Island, both times to race,” he said. “I guess I’m batting one-thousand.”

Though all the racers were competing for first, they were united in their front to support the local hospital.

“Luckily I’ve never had to use it,” said Louisa Clough, who crossed the finish line just two minutes after her husband. “But if we need a hospital, it’s always there. That is why we always come out to show our support.”