The water temperature was 44 degrees but that didn’t stop Professor Linda Desjardins who started 2011 with a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

Northern Essex English Professor Linda Desjardins and Vice President of Academic Affairs Lane Glenn started off 2011 with a run and a plunge.

The two running enthusiasts participated in the 30th Annual Hangover Classic sponsored by the Winners Circle Running Club in Salisbury. They were two of 1,700 runners who showed up New Year’s Day to take their first run of the new year.

The event, which for many has become a New Year’s Day tradition, offers both a 5 and 10K run. Desjardins and Glenn ran the 10K, including one mile which was run on the sandy beach. Participants were encouraged to take a plunge into the icy Atlantic following the race which started and finished at Salisbury Center. Both Glenn and Desjardins took the plunge into 44 degree water. For their pluck they received a “Hangover Classic” mug filled with beer.

Glenn ran a 7:22 pace, finishing 112 out of 641. Desjardins declined to share her pace saying only that she walked away with an award in her age group.