Thank you to all the runners and sponsors for your continued support
On Saturday, October 26th, 2024 the Melrose Family YMCA will host its 15th Annual Spooky Sprint 5k road race. The aptly named ‘Spooky Sprint’ is typically held the Saturday before Halloween each year and runners are encouraged to come out dressed in their best costumes for a chance to win a special prize! The 5k begins and ends on E. Foster street, next to the Melrose Family YMCA. The course takes runners down Lebanon Street and through Pine Banks Park before circling back to Main Street.
The Melrose Family YMCA Spooky Sprint 5k raises funds for the Y’s Annual Campaign scholarship fund, which ensures no one is turned away for inability to pay. Last year’s Spooky Sprint 5k raised over $20,000 for the Y’s scholarship fund. Thanks to the support of runners and generous sponsors, the Y is able to provide youth the opportunity to take lifesaving swim lessons, attend day camp, and access to healthy living programs at the Y!
“It’s our favorite event of the year,” explained Health and Wellness Director Bernadette Farrell. “Seeing people of all ages from our community come out to support the Y, and have fun doing it, makes all the hard work putting the race together worthwhile.” It should be noted that Bernadette was dressed as the Spooky Sprint logo at last year’s 5k in honor of the 14 year anniversary of the race.
Melrose Family YMCA Executive Director, Katelyn Papadopoulos, described the atmosphere of the race, “Runners, walkers, and even spectators all had smiles on their faces! We couldn’t have asked for a better morning or turnout from the community.” The 14th Annual Spooky Sprint was Katelyn’s 5th year helping organize the race as Executive Director of the YMCA. Prizes are awarded to the top overall male and female finishers as well as the top three finishers, male and female, in each age group.
The Spooky Sprint 5k is the third race in the YMCA of Metro North’s annual road race series. The YMCA of Metro North Road Race Series brings together seven different communities to run for our cause. These unique races are featured across our communities to motivate, inspire and promote the YMCA’s mission of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Registration for this year’s series will open in January 2024! The 2024 road race series consists of the Saugus Family YMCA’s ‘Not a Walk in the Park 5k’ on April 27, the Lynn YMCA’s ‘Stride Along the Tide 5k’ on May 11, and the Melrose Family YMCA’s ‘Spooky Sprint 5k’ on October 26.
On the horizon for the YMCA of Metro North is the Torigian Family YMCA’s annual LiveSTRONG for the YMCA 5k, which will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 8:30am. This race starts at Lt. Ross Park and proceeds north on the Independence Parkway into West Peabody, winding through local neighborhoods before ultimately finishing back at Lt. Ross Park. The YMCA 5k supports LiveSTRONG at the Y, a program where local cancer survivors participate in a 12-week specialized exercise program to gain strength in body, mind and spirit after treatments. Registration is open online through November 22nd! If you are interested in learning more about the 5k please contact race director, Cara Green, at cgreen@metronorthymca.org.
Special thanks to our sponsors for making our Spooky Sprint 5k possible. We couldn’t do it without you.
Lead Series Sponsor
Advocate Series Sponsor
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