After Pandemic Cancellations Last Year, the YMCA of Metro North’s 5ks and Half Marathon Return to In-Person Run or Walk for Charity
Lace up your sneakers and get ready to run or walk with the YMCA of Metro North. With one month to go before the start of its popular Road Race Series, registrations are picking up as runners and walkers turn out for the return of in-person races. Participants can run or walk the YMCA of Metro North four 5ks or run the Half Marathon that raise money to support the Y’s charitable programs. The series kicks off next month, on Saturday, August 21st, with the Saugus Family YMCA’s Not a Walk in the Park 5k through the scenic trails of Breakheart Reservation in Saugus.
“We are going to have a lot of fun this year. People are ready to get back to these in-person events that brings our communities together for a great cause. I really missed the races last year. Our virtual events were a novel idea during the pandemic, but nothing beats the excitement of race day,” says Kathleen Walsh, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North.
Road Race Series registrations provides a race number and race day gear for all four 5k races. The Livestrong half marathon will run concurrent with the Livestrong 5k. Proceeds from each race supports access to the YMCAs health programming for members of the community and provides financial assistance to children to attend Y Academy child care programs and summer camps.
The Saugus Not a Walk in the Park 5k at Breakheart Reservation on August 21 will be followed by the Demakes Family YMCA’s Stride Along the Tide 5k at Nahant Life Saving Station on September 25; the Melrose Family YMCA’s Spooky Sprint in Downtown Melrose on October 30, and concludes with the Torigian Family YMCA’s Livestrong at the Y Half Marathon and inaugural Livestrong 5k on November 20.
“We are so ready to kick off the Metro North’s Road Race Series in Saugus again. It’s a tradition our community really enjoys,” says Issac Fowler, Senior Program Director at the Saugus YMCA. “These are family-friendly events for everyone. Whether you walk or run, we have prizes for people in all ages and categories. It’ll be a great way for people to get together outdoors and reconnect with their neighbors.”
Registration is open for each of the individual 2021 Road Race Series 5ks and the Road Race Series bundle. Each YMCA race welcomes runners and walkers of all ages on the course for these family-friendly events. Prizes are awarded to the top runners in each age group and gender, and all participants will be eligible to win raffle prizes. The races include chip-timing by Bay State Timing Services, an exclusive race t-shirt, and post-race refreshments. Road Race Series participants will receive an additional gift at the conclusion of the Livestrong 5k in November for completing all four races. For more information about the 2021 road race series, please visit www.ymcametronorth.org/support/road-race-series/.