Clock to the Rock dials up excitement

For those of us who work in Central Square, each day we hear the rumble of the MBTA Commuter Rail and pass the landmark clock under the elevated tracks.But how often do we get a chance to run a road race from there?The Clock to the Rock 5K, hosted by the Downtown Lynn Cultural District (DTLCD) and sponsored by Columbia Insurance, takes place tonight in Central Square at 6 p.m. This is the first year the DTLCD has taken a lead role in the event, director Emily Ruddock said.?One of the things I love about the Central Square area is that it?s super-funky,” Ruddock said. “The train runs right through downtown, there?s neat architecture, a lot happening when you get on and off. There?s beautiful public art from Raw Art Works and Visionspace Gallery at Centerboard.”The race route also links Central Square with the beautiful natural scenery of the beach.?I will say that (the beach) is one of the most beautiful places for me in Lynn,” said Ruddock, a Somerville resident who has been the DTLCD director since May. “I love the ocean. The view is beautiful. You can see parts of Nahant. It?s a really calm run and walk.”Ruddock said that the beachfront part of the 5K is half of the course.?There?s only one hill,” she said. “(We) welcome any type of runner and walker.”I?ve run from Central Square to the beach and back before. There is high ground as you approach the beach, and the sight of the ocean rewards you when you reach the top.It can also be rewarding to take a break in nature … and rewarding to know that the beach, with its elegant houses and the sound of the surf, lies just a short run away from Central Square.In addition to the DTLCD, the race is supported by Raw Art Works, Visionspace, Centerboard, the Lynn Museum, Arts After Hours and the Lynn Auditorium. Ruddock also praised the leadership role of John Olson of Columbia Insurance.The race passed 100 registrants earlier this week and Ruddock said she is “delighted to see a lot of newcomers.” You can still register in Central Square from 4 p.m. up until 5:45. There will be an after-party with a funk band, beer testing and art-making.I look forward to joining everyone to the beach and back! Good luck!