Thank you to all the runners and sponsors for your continued support
On Thursday, July 11th the Torigian Family YMCA hosted its annual 5k road race, which started and ended at the YMCA. On a beautiful summer night at twilight, a record-breaking 230+ runners came out to support the Y’s cause and run for the Peabody and Lynnfield communities. The aptly named ‘Beat the Heat’ 5k took runners of all ages through Centennial Park in 80 degree heat before finishing up at the Torigian Family YMCA Outdoor Pool, where runners were encouraged to take a post run dip.
The Torigian Family YMCA 5k raises funds for the Y’s Annual Campaign scholarship fund, which ensures no one is turned away for inability to pay. This year’s Beat the Heat 5k raised a total of $8,000 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!
Prizes were awarded to the top overall male and female finishers in each category as well as the top three finishers, male and female, in each age group. Congratulations to Dan Vassallo of Peabody for taking home the prize or top male finisher and to 11 year old Mariana Kay of Melrose for being the first female to cross the finish line!
The Beat the Heat 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. In October the series will wrap up with the The Melrose Family YMCA’s Halloween themed 10th Annual Spooky Sprint 5k on October 26th. Earlier this year the YMCA of Metro North hosted the Saugus Family YMCA’s Not a Walk in the Park 5k in April and the Lynn YMCA’s Stride Along the Tide 5k in May.
On the horizon for the Torigian Family YMCA is the annual LiveSTRONG for the YMCA Half Marathon, which will take place on November 23, 2019. As the only half marathon in Peabody, 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. A two-person relay option is also offered for runners who want to increase distance but aren’t ready to run a full half. The YMCA Half Marathon 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.
Thank you to our generous Beat the Heat 5k Sponsors: AJ Rose Carpets and Flooring, Marsh & McLennan Agency, Bertucci’s, Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, Rousselot, GraVoc, East Boston Savings Bank, Ameriprise Financial, The Law Offices of James Carrigan, The Hall Company, Metro Credit Union, Peabody Smile Design, Edible Arrangements.
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