LYNN — Across various ages, skillsets, and goals, track and field offerings are here to stay in Lynn.
Like many things, teamwork makes this dream work.
“It requires a lot of staff, mostly from the Lynn English ROTC youngsters,” said Joe Abelon, a Lynn Parks and Recreation volunteer who runs several events, “and none of these events would occur without Lisa Nerich of Lynn Parks and Rec, Rich Avery, Sgt. Maj. Jose Beato, and all of the volunteers at Lynn Woods.”
Some of Lynn’s events have legs nationally, according to Abelon.
“These events have been compared to similar kinds and are ranked as some of the top in the country,” he said.
More than 1,200 students from 18 schools participate in fifth-grade meets. With no tryouts or cuts, and free of charge, all are invited to participate in the 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, mile, 4x100m relay, standing long jump, and softball throw.
Although two fifth-grade meets have already happened, there are two more on May 28 and June 1.
“To me, track and field is basically an inexpensive, lifetime, and healthy activity at any level,” Abelon said. “What’s nice is that it’s rewarding. Anybody can measure their improvement. Plus, it’s fun.”
There are also elementary cross country meets, held every Veterans Day at Gannon Municipal Golf Course. Featuring 300-400 runners from 40 schools, it’s open to all communities with no entry fee.
Races up to third grade aren’t scored; grades 1-5 are scored by team.
“There are very few states in the country that have elementary state championship meets,” Abelon said. “Gannon is very kind to let us use this environment.”
Lynn Woods Races started in 1970. Bill Mullen took over in 1981 and has remained director. Races are held weekly from May to September, featuring short races, longer races, and kids’ races.
There are an approximate 150-300 runners per week. General participation is free, except the 10-mile relay ($100 per team).
The 13th Annual One Hour Run will be held Oct. 3 at Manning Field. With opportunities to break U.S. records, it’s a competition to see who can run the most distance in one hour.
“Between the Hour Run, the 15K, and the 10-mile, 44 American age-group records have been set,” Abelon said. “Most people are overjoyed. Last year, we had a woman come from New York through public transportation — she was ecstatic.”
For more information about the events above — and others — visit Lwrun.org.
