More than 300 runners and walkers lined up at Breakheart Reservation on Saturday, April 25, for the Saugus Family YMCA’s annual Not a Walk in the Park 5K, making the 2026 race the largest and most successful in the event’s history.
Known for its challenging course and signature hills, this year’s race drew the event’s biggest crowd to date, with participants ranging from seasoned runners to first-time 5K participants. The annual event has become a signature stop in the YMCA of Metro North Road Race Series, bringing together runners of all ages.
This year’s top finishers. In the women’s division, Arielle Bohn of Revere took first overall female with a time of 22:46, followed by Alyssa Sena of Saugus in 24:44 and Maria Hwang of Winthrop in 24:45. In the men’s division, Zachary Martin of Waltham claimed first overall male in 20:26, with Michael Grassa of Wakefield finishing second in 21:33 and Steven Belanger of Tewksbury close behind in 21:39.
“This race was what the Y does best,” said Amy Looney, Executive Director of the Saugus Family YMCA. “It brought people together, challenged them, and gave so many first-time runners the chance to accomplish something big while supporting a great cause.”
Every step on race day helped support the YMCA of Metro North Annual Fund, which provides children and families across the region with access to programs they need at the YMCA of Metro North.
The YMCA of Metro North Road Race Series continues on Saturday, May 9, with the Stride Along the Tide 5K in Nahant.