LYNNFIELD — There was no better place to celebrate America’s birthday than the 56th Annual Lynnfield Athletic Association (LAA) Fourth of July 5K Road Race.
The race featured 301 runners, up from 247 in 2022, stretching in age from 3 (Yes, there were two 3-year-olds who posted finishes, possibly aboard strollers) to 76.
LAA President Jen Briggs said that despite drizzly conditions, the day was a great success, helping to raise money for the high school athletic program.
“We had a very good turnout, even though it was raining a little,” Briggs said. “Thankfully, it stopped for the runners pretty much, so I think we came out very successfully, all things being considered. We had lots of kids and great sponsorship this year.”
Overall winner and recent St. John’s Prep graduate Nathan Lopez, of Lynnfield, said he didn’t really push himself, but was satisfied with the results. He finished in 16:42, more than a minute ahead of runner-up Patrick Walsh (17:58), also of Lynnfield, who won the male 20-29 group.
“It was just kind of an easy one today, more like a training run,” Lopez, a University of Michigan commit, said. “The race was fun. I kind of hung with the lead pack for a little bit, then kind of just pushed it on a little. I like to come out and run this when I can because it’s a good time, and I like to support the cause and do what I can for them. It’s a great event, and I’m happy to be here and compete.”
Weston’s Shana Frank won the women’s overall in 20:57 and finished 13th overall. The top women’s runner from Lynnfield was Kristen Dorsky. She finished 19th overall and won the female 30-39 group with a time of 22:03.
Other top-10 finishers from Lynnfield were Shea McCarthy, sixth overall and winner of the boys’ high-school group (19:19); David Picariello, seventh (20:00), and Joel Beal, 10th (20:25).
It was McCarthy’s first time seeing the course.
“My strategy was just to run fast,” McCarthy said.
Lynnfield Police Officer Scott Fitzemeyer was just out of the top 10 in 11th place, and won the male 30-39 (20:29). He said he’s run the race for about 11 years and “it’s great to see everyone in the community.”
Lynnfield age group winners included Shealyn Moore, female high school (26:16); Amelia Gardina, female 10 and under (29:12); Kaylee Barrett, female 11-14 (23:09); Sophia Dinanno, female 15-19 (22:48); former LAA President Andrea Braconnier, female 50-59 (23.25); and Natasha Shah, female 60-69 (32:06).
Barrett, fresh off winning the Development Players League U15 national championship with the New England Futbol Club in Ohio three days earlier, won her race nearly two full minutes ahead of runner-up Sofia Giardina (25:20), also of Lynnfield.
“I ran really well today,” Barrett said. “One of the reasons I ran is because we have to do a two-mile run for the high school soccer tryouts, so every day at captains’ practice we’ve been doing a lot of running, so I think that really helped me today.”
Lynnfield’s Jonathan Coiteux and his wife, Julie Coiteux, ran with sons Maxwell, 4, and Myles, 2. Jonathan Coiteux said they had run the race before, but not while pushing a 40-plus-pound stroller with two toddlers.
“Our only goal is just to finish,” Jonathan Coiteux said.
They did, with Julie Coiteux (44:35) claiming family bragging rights by one second.
Former age-group champion Anthony “Chuck” Moccia didn’t run this year, but was on hand to support the crowd and his former fellow runners.
“I’ve kind of hung it up and I sure do wish I could still be out there,” Moccia said.
As is the case every year, many Lynnfield High athletes ran.
Track and cross-country coach Bill Wallace was there to support them.
“It’s a good community event. I’ve been coming here for 20 years now, even before I started teaching in Lynnfield. I think it’s a great race,” Wallace said.
In 2018, Wallace’s brother, Shawn Wallace, was the overall winner while pushing his son, Brennen, in a 25-pound stroller.
“There are quite a few strollers now, so maybe they should consider adding a special stroller division,” Bill Wallace said. “That would make it interesting for those people who have to push a stroller, because it’s not easy.”
Salvatore Guigliano said he’s lived in Lynnfield for 50 years and has been running the race for at least 30.
“I did good; I finished,” the Italy native said. “I love it, it was beautiful today. We all get together once a year with all these nice people with the kids, who are unbelievable.
“We’re excited for today; we’ve been waiting for this for months,” School Committee Chair and Recreation Chair Rich Sjoberg said. “We’re very happy the rain held off and I can’t believe the crowd. When you look at the different age levels of the kids from elementary school right on up to high school and even seniors, it couldn’t get any better.”
