LYNNFIELD — There was no better place to celebrate America’s birthday than the 55th Annual Lynnfield Athletic Association’s (LAA) Fourth of July 5K Road Race.
The race, which was last held in person in 2019, featured 247 runners in a range of ages from 6 to 81.
LAA Co-President Heather Dreher said the day was a success.
“We had a new board when COVID hit so this was all new to us, but we have a great group of volunteers and Race Director Susie Cleary did a great job organizing the event,” Dreher said. “The weather was great and it was just to finally be back to an in-person event. This is always a big event in town and LAA appreciates all the support we get. I just can’t believe the turnout we had today.”
Twenty-year-old Thad Sanderson of Manalapin, N.J. cruised to the overall title in 17:28, more than a minute and a half ahead of Lynnfield’s top finisher, 20-year-old Patrick Walsh. The Framingham State junior finished in 18:59.
Sanderson said his race strategy was simple.
“I just kept a steady pace and followed the cop car,” he said.
The top woman was Julia Hincman-Francavilla of Beverly who finished ninth overall in 20:18.
“I first ran this race with my friend Colleen (Abcunas) when we were in the sixth grade,” said Hincman-Francavilla, who ran track at BU. “It was a little hot, but this is a beautiful course. It feels great to compete again.”
Abcunas’ daughter, Theodora Abcunas of Wakefield, was the youngest runner at age 6 (42:57) while Lynnfield’s George Cummings was the oldest at 81 (38:45).
Lynnfield High Track and Cross Country Coach Bill Wallace was on the sidelines cheering on his team members.
“This is the first time in a long time we haven’t had three generations of Wallaces in the race,” he said. “We’ve had injuries in the family, but it’s a great day to run and I’m excited to see my guys and girls running. We’ll be back next year.”
Wallace’s kids didn’t disappoint. Madison Daigle, 17, finished in 21:38 and won the girls high school division and also finished runner-up in the female 15-19 division. Jake Martinho, 16, won the boys high school and male 15-19 titles in 24:07.
Martinho, who is training for a half-marathon in Gloucester later this summer, said it was a piece of cake.
“I didn’t really have a race strategy and I was surprised that I won, but it’s easier going a shorter distance if you have been training longer distances. I’m happy with my time, so overall it was a good day.”
Siblings Kaylee, 12, and Michael Barrett, 13, took radically different training approaches for the race, but both ended up sweeping the 11-14 age division.
“I started training yesterday,” said Michael, who plays club hockey with the Minuteman Flames in Marlboro. “I ran around the lake in Wakefield (Lake Quannapowitt) to get ready.”
Sister Kaylee had a different idea.
“I run every day,” said Kaylee, who also plays soccer and basketball. “This was our first time running and we will definitely do it again.”
For the record, Kaylee claimed family bragging rights; she cruised to the female 11-14 title in 23:42. Michael also was a winner, taking the male 11-14 division in 25:11.
LAA provides financial support to the Lynnfield High athletic program. This year’s race proceeds are earmarked for the new tennis court complex at the high school.
“A group of parents is putting together the new courts. We thought it would be a great cause that we should support,” Dreher said.
Race sponsors included Beth Israel Lahey Health, YMCA of Metro North, Wakefield Co-operative Bank, Moynihan Lumber, Salem Five, Supino Insurance, and Littlefield Real Estate.
2022 Lynnfield High graduate and Salem State University rising freshman Rachel Perrin received a loud round of applause after singing the National Anthem to open the festivities.
While July 4 has come and gone, there is still time to help support LAA. During the month of July, LAA is offering a virtual race option that allows participants to run their own 5K on their own terms. Anything goes, whether it’s walking a mile on the beach three times or a mountain hike with family, or an all-out conventional 5K race. To register, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=75488. The cost is $25 per person.
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
