Rich on Running: Knights 5K organizers hopeful

With highs in the 30s, lows in the teens, and snow all predicted for Sunday, the mettle of the running community in Lynn will be tested.That?s the day of the first-ever Knights of Columbus 5K, which begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Knights? parking lot at 177 Lynnfield Street.?We?re going, obviously, to try to do it,” event chair Will Phelps said. “We?re waiting it out to see how bad it?s going to be. Barring a big blizzard, we?ll try and go ahead.”If Mother Nature and Old Man Winter are accommodating, it seems like the race will be a success. Phelps anticipates a field of about 80 to 100 runners.?We started off wanting to do a festive run, like a Turkey Trot or Feaster Five,” he said. “We decided to go with a Christmas theme. We?re hoping for everyone to come out.”He added there would be Santa Claus hats for runners.The race will benefit Lynn Veterans Families for Christmas, helping the Knights? Ladies Auxiliary send Christmas packages to Lynn veterans and their families.Phelps is organizing the race with John Smart, president of the Valladolid Building Association No. 70.?He?s definitely the runner of the group,” Phelps said. “He quarterbacked this thing with me.”Phelps, a 2007 Classical graduate and a Knights member, lives in Lynn and works for Raytheon in Woburn. He helps his brother, Rams football coach Tim Phelps, with the Classical golf tournament each year.He described himself as “not a huge runner,” although he usually runs the Hibernians 5K around St. Patrick?s Day, and a Halloween race in Salem.?I just do some 5Ks,” he said. “They?re a great way to raise money.”People can sign up for the Knights? 5K at northshoretiming.com or on race day. The cost is $25. Check-in is from 8-9:15 a.m. on Sunday.?The earlier, the better,” Phelps said, noting at this point, the organizers cannot guarantee a T-shirt for everyone.As for the race itself, Phelps sounded hopeful.?Like I said, if we can get out there and run, we?ll go out and do it,” he said. “We?re planning on going ahead. We?ll play it by ear.”It even seemed like he was looking forward to running outside in winter.?I?ve been keeping inside on the treadmill,” he said. “Sunday will be the day.”