PEABODY — The popular YMCA of Metro North Road Race series is back after being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
“After 18 months of Zooming, it is time to start zooming around the roads in your running shoes,” said YMCA of Metro North Chief Executive Officer Kathleen Walsh. ““Our race series is designed for all levels of runners and walkers and it showcases some of the most beautiful areas within our Y service area.
“Plus they are family friendly and, thanks to our sponsors, participants get some great swag. The Y’s race series will be sure to ignite your passion for moving again.”
This year Metro North will host four races, all on Saturdays: The Saugus YMCA Not a Walk in the Park 5K at Breakheart Reservation on Aug. 21, the Demakes Family YMCA Stride Along the Tide 5K at the Nahant Life Saving Station on Sept. 25, the Torigian Family YMCA LiveSTRONG at the Y Half Marathon and 5K at Lt. Ross Park in Peabody and the Melrose YMCA Spooky Spirit 5K on Oct. 30.
The series raises funds for a variety of charitable activities that benefit Y communities including Metro North’s Annual Campaign as well as the YMCA child care, camp, and health and wellness programs.
Participants may register for one race ($25 each) or register for all four races and receive a special discount ($90).
Participants can also earn a referral credit of $25 if they refer five friends who register. Race-day registration for all races begins at 7 a.m. with the races starting promptly at 8:30. Awards will be given to the top performers in each age group. Post-race refreshments will be provided. T-shirts will be provided to those who register early.
“Lets face it, runners need to start working on their T-shirt collection again,” Walsh said.
The Torgian Half-Marathon supports its “LiveSTRONG at the Y” program, in which local cancer survivors participate in a 12-week specialized exercise program to gain strength in body, mind and spirit after completing their treatments. Non-runners can support the cause by purchasing lawn signs in honor of friends and relatives who have died from the disease, fought the battle and won or are still battling the disease. Signs will be displayed at the Torigian YMCA during the week of the half-marathon and along the race course. Signs can be purchased online during registration or by reaching out to Julie Gerraughty at [email protected].
Walsh said she has already registered to run.
“As a runner and a Y employee, I am thrilled to bring people together to run, walk or skip through the 5K courses,” Walsh said. “After a year of no running races, our family-friendly races will not only be fun, but competitive. It is as much about fun, getting healthy and competition. Join me at the starting line.”
For information about registration, fees or deadlines, visit the Metro North website at https://www.ymcametronorth.org/.
Metro North’s Annual Fund ensures that nobody is turned away for Y services for inability to pay. In 2020, the YMCA of Metro North provided more than $1 million in financial aid providing all children, adults and families with opportunities to develop a healthy spirit, mind and body regardless of income.
