LYNN — Whether you’re 3 or 87 years old, if you’re a fan of running events, Lynn was the place to be throughout the last week. The City of Lynn saw another Wednesday evening Lynn Woods Race Series, as well as a “One Hour Run” and an elementary cross country event at Frey Playground.
On a perfect day for running in Lynn Woods, city native Rafael Villatoro – once again – came in first with a time of 24:12 on the 3.87-mile “Penny Bridge” out-and-back, all-fire road course. He was followed by Beverly’s Erich O’Neil (27:13) and Lynn’s Marvin Velasaquez (27:40).
The top three women were Reading’s Erin Hickey Reardon (31:11), Lynn’s Freddi Triback (31:57), and another Lynner in Kimberly Zia (32:01).
Ten-year-old James Wilson IV continued to impress in longer races, placing 12th with a fine time of 31:55 – an impressive 8:15 pace on a challenging course.
The 2.2-mile “Goat Path” race came with some interesting outcomes and entries. Lynn’s Jennifer Matul, age 11, placed first with a time of 21:17. Placing third was Lynn’s Evelyn Perez (21:45).
Matthew Iarrobino came all the way from Boulder, Colorado and was the first male to finish in 9:45. The second male, placing fourth overall was septuagenarian Paul Hennessy (21:46), of Melrose. Malden’s Paul Schell, age 87, finished in 36:06.
The winner of the kids’ race was Melrose’s Caroline Skeirik (16:00), followed by Alexa Chavez (17:00), Lindsy Matul (17:01), and 4-year-old Meghan Matul (18:16), all of Lynn.
Days later, Lynn Parks and Recreation and USA Track and Field New England hosted the “One Hour Run.” Lynn Parks and Recreation first hosted an hour run in 2014 and, in 2019, added a 15K and 10-mile.
Since then, 23 American age group records were broken in the hour run and 16 in the 15K/10-mile.
“We are the only city in the U.S. that seeks out and invites capable athletes on an annual basis,” said event representative Joe Abelon.
On a warm morning, as part of the hour run in Lynn, 77-year-old Janet Voelpert of Shelton, Connecticut established an American LDR age group outdoor track record (women 75-79) for the 15K with a time of 1:26:09.
Dan King of Boulder, Colorado was present to challenge the men’s LDR records, but unfortunately, suffered an injury early in the race and couldn’t continue.
“He is one of the few elite athletes who appreciates the opportunity to challenge the three LDR events offered on an annual basis in Lynn, and despite his disappointment, is anxious to return next fall,” Abelon said.
Adaptive athlete (cerebral palsy) Annahita Forghan, age 33 of Brookline, ran the hour for the second time. Last year, she became the first adaptive athlete in this category known to have completed the race. John Young, age 58 of Salem, also an adaptive athlete (dwarfism), is the first male known to have competed the hour.
Last but certainly not least, the first (of six) weekend elementary school cross country event was held at Frey Playground on “a fun, sometimes hilly, grass cross country course,” according to Abelon.
Fourteen youngsters, ages 3 to 10, accepted the challenge. Lynn’s Owen Candy, age 8, won the boys race in 6:29. Stokely Adeagbo, age 3, ran the course without walking in 11:35.
The girls race was won by 8-year-old Ivy Glod of Beverly in 6:58, followed by 10-year-old Lindsey Matul (7:21) and 8-year-old Marisol Ramirez (7:27). The youngest girl was 4-year-old Meghan Matul of Lynn.
More information can be found on www.lwrun.org
