Nahant to hold fourth annual road race

NAHANT – Sponsors and runners are needed from “Sea to Shining Sea,” a five-mile road race to raise money to help restore the Nahant Lifesaving Station.Organizers from The Nahant Lifesaving Station Fundraising Committee/ Nahant Preservation Trust said the fourth annual race, which is slated for Sunday, Oct. 19, is expected to attract hundreds of participants and spectators.Roz Puleo, who is one of the organizers, said walkers and runners of all ages are invited to participate in the family-friendly event, which starts and finishes on Ward Road across from the Nahant Lifesaving Station.”We expect between 150 and 200 runners,” she said. “It should be a fun and productive day for everyone. Rain or shine.”Puleo said there would be seven different age divisions with several prizes in each division. The registration fee is $18 if runners pre-register prior to Oct. 15 or $22 on the day of the race. Runners can pre-register for the race online at www.seatoshiningsea5miler.com, by calling Puleo at 781-581-1034 or by picking up an entry form in Nahant Town Hall. Puleo said the first 250 entrants would receive a free long sleeve t-shirt.Puleo said there has been some visible progress on the Coast Guard Station, which has sparked public interest in the renovation project.”The progress has been slow but steady,” she said. “The bathrooms were completed so people who used Short Beach this summer had access to restroom facilities. We’re going to tackle the inside next. We’re hoping to complete all the work within a couple of years.”Puleo said the event raised approximately $2,500 last year and is hoping to exceed that amount this year. The group is still seeking sponsors to help fund the event.”We will place signs and banners recognizing major sponsors at the start and finish lines,” she said. “Contributing sponsor advertising will be placed on the grounds and fence of the lifesaving station the day of the race.”Puleo said all proceeds from the race would go to help refurbish the Nahant Lifesaving Station, which was built in 1899 and remained in active service until 1964. The facility is one of only handful of lifesaving stations still in existence in the United States. At the request of the town, the Federal Government officially transferred ownership of the station to Nahant in 1999. The Nahant Lifesaving Station Fundraising Committee has coordinated fundraising for the station for years and the station has been the recipient of Community Preservation Act funds as well.