Second annual Swampscott Run-a-Latke set for Sunday

SWAMPSCOTT – The miracle of the 2011 Run-a-Latke occurred when the four-foot high Lego menorah stayed together for all eight nights.Rabbi Yossi Lipsker is trying to re-create the miracle by kicking Hanukkah off on Sunday with a workout and a fried reward. On Sunday at 10 a.m., Chabad of the North Shore will hold its second annual Run-a-Latke, a 5K race through Swampscott with latkes, the Jewish potato pancake, and Israeli doughnuts with jelly and powdered sugar at the finish line. The fried foods traditionally represent the miracle of Hanukkah when a small amount of oil that was meant to last for one day burned for eight nights. The run, Lipsker says, is just for fun.”It’s a nice way to combine physical fitness, fun and the Jewish holidays,” said Lipsker.Lipsker said he is familiar with the balance of discipline and indulgence, being a dedicated runner and keeper of his family’s secret recipe for “arguably the best latkes on the East Coast.” He said the event on Sunday will combine his “favorite passions: Hanukkah, latkes and running.” Last year’s race drew 85 runners.In addition to the binging on latkes and doughnuts, and the purging of calories through running, children of all ages can participate in building the Lego menorah, which will have two candles lit when it is finished to symbolize the second night of Hanukkah. Children who don’t have the same attention span can play in a bouncy house.The event is free to the public, but there is a fee to participate in the race. Participants can register at the race before the start at 10 a.m. at Chabad of the North Shore at 44 Burrill St. in Swampscott.Lipsker said all are encouraged to participate in the race, food and other activities on Sunday, since the message of Hanukkah “is a spiritual and universal message that goodness and light triumphs over darkness. Even a little light dispels darkness.”Lipsker will bring Hanukkah even further into the spotlight with Jewish Heritage Night with the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, Dec. 12 when Chabad lights the menorah on the court during halftime. Lipsker said there will be Kosher food at the concession stand and a post-game event on the court.Kait Taylor can be reached at [email protected] YOU GO The second annualRun-a-Latke, a 5K race in celebration of Hanukkah, will be Sunday at 10 a.m. at Chabad of the North Shore, 44 Burrill St., Swampscott. There is a fee for the race, but family activities are free.For more information go to http://www.nsjewish.com/