LYNN — It may be 95 degrees in Lynn, but that doesn’t mean kids can’t get out and run – hydration and stretching included, of course.
This week marked the summer’s first of six Youth Summer Track Meet Series events at Manning Field. Talk about a good turnout. Approximately 135 kids showed up to get exercise and show off their athleticism.
There were seven events that ranged from 30 meters (3-year-olds and younger), 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and the mile. Kids are allowed to run in as many events as they want.
Well, all that means is there will be some highlights.
Look no further than Rockport 7-year-old Theodore McNamara, who ran five events. McNamara, prior to running and placing second in the mile, ran four events, making his second-place finish even more spectacular.
McNamara’s second-place mile clocked in at an impressive 8:10.
The winner of the boys’ mile was Lynn native Mark Kivagheni, who ran a sub-eight minute mile, clocking in at 7:30. Lynn’s Aiden Nerys (8:36) and Justin Woods (9:47) rounded up the top four.
On the girls’ side, Salem’s Abigail Murphy ran a 7:35 to take first place in the mile with Lynn’s Desirae Muriel (8:21) and Rockport’s Cecilia McNamara (9:48) right behind her.
When it comes to the City of Lynn, you could say it comes with strong athletes. The talent showed out in the 800-meter race for the boys, as the top six runners all reside in Lynn.
Christian Nunez ran a 2:45 with Christopher Escobar finishing eight seconds behind him (2:53). Then, Liban AbdiKadir (3:02), Aiden Nerys (3:42), Nico Gallo (3:44), and Jaylen Rodriguez (3:50) all ran sub-fours.
Similarly, in the girls’ 400-meter race, six Lynners represented the top seven. The top three were Wilmarilyn Fernandez (1:15), Maria Villalba (1:24), and Salem’s Abigail Murphy (1:24). Vastie Fleuranuille (1:27), Tayden Peletier (1:31), Desirae Muriel (1:37), and Kendra Bacon-Brito (1:44) also impressed.
The future is also bright, as 3-year-olds (and even younger) took place in the competition, running a 30-meter race.
In the girls’ heat, there was a photo finish as Nora Alex won with a 9.5 second run, while Amarah Hawkins was right behind with a 9.7. Lynn’s Gia Justiniano and Talise Gallo also ran in the event.
On the boys’ side, in the 30-meter race, Eiath Villalba (9.9) edged out Jacob Mendez (10.9) to take first. Dashon McCloud, Carter Hawkins, Ottavio Alberti, Jonah Hope, and Jayden Mendez also competed in the event.
The series will continue throughout the summer and welcomes kids from all different communities, with no entry fee.
For more information and results, go to www.lwrun.org
