SAUGUS — The YMCA of Metro North will be back on the move after a year-long hiatus.
The COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to hold the agency’s annual Road Race Series in person last year. While there were virtual events, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North Kathleen Walsh said that while they were a great idea, there is nothing like the in-person race experience.
“We are going to have a lot of fun this year. People are ready to get back to these in-person events that bring our communities together for a great cause,” Walsh said. “I really missed the races last year. Our virtual events were a novel idea during the pandemic, but nothing beats the excitement of race day.”
With this being the first in-person race since the pandemic restrictions in the spring of 2020, Corinne Riley, the vice-chair of the Saugus Board of Selectmen, said that any steps towards “normalcy” are a welcome opportunity.
“I love that these road races and town events are being planned again, and hope for the best that we can all be back to our regular routine without any worries,” Riley said. “We need to still be aware that (the pandemic) isn’t over, and that everyone should still do whatever they feel comfortable to keep healthy.”
Riley also wished good luck to all of the participants in the event.
The series begins with the Saugus Family YMCA’s Not a Walk in the Park 5K. Participants will traverse their way through Breakheart Reservation during the race.
“We are so ready to kick off the Metro North’s Road Race Series in Saugus again. It’s a tradition our community really enjoys,” said Issac Fowler, the senior program director at the Saugus YMCA. “These are family-friendly events for everyone. Whether you walk or run, we have prizes for people in all ages and categories. It’ll be a great way for people to get together outdoors and reconnect with their neighbors.”
All proceeds from the road races, including the 5K in Saugus, will go toward the YMCA’s Annual Campaign Scholarship Fund to support charitable programs that serve children and families in the community.
