On Saturday, April 27th the Saugus Family YMCA hosted its 8th annual 5k road race in Breakheart Reservation. Despite some wet weather and soggy conditions along the course, a record-breaking 260+ runners turned out to tackle the course. The aptly named ‘Not a Walk in the Park’ 5k can be quite the challenging course along the many hills of Breakheart Reservation. Runners of all ages, from 5 to 75, could be seen smiling as they ran downhill and crossed the finish line.
The Saugus Family YMCA 5k raises funds for the Y’s Annual Campaign scholarship fund, which ensures no one is turned away for inability to pay. Thanks to the support of runners and generous sponsors, the Y is able to provide summer camp for homeless youth, LiveStrong programs for cancer survivors, gymnastics scholarships and so much more for youth from the Saugus Community. This year’s race raised over $9,000 for the Annual Campaign fund!
Awards were given to the top three finishers in 6 different age categories for male and female. A big congratulations to the top male finisher; Tom Walsh of Melrose, and top female finisher; Kathernie Kulig of Melrose.
The Not a Walk in the Park 5k is the first 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. Next month the series continues with the Lynn YMCA’s Stride Along the Tide 5k at Nahant Reservation on May 18th at 8:30am. The Torigian Family YMCA will hold their Beat the Heat 5k on Thursday, July 11th at 6:30pm starting on Lynnfield Street and the Melrose Family YMCA will finish off the 2019 series with the 10th Annual Spooky Sprint 5k on October 26th.
