By Isabell Macrina
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Medfield Foundation’s annual Angel Run turned a typical 5k run into a runner’s winter wonderland. The MFI Angel Run was originally in honor of Natasha Domeshek to raise funds for scholarships of the graduating class. Now, the funds from the race go towards the Community Assistance Fund that is dispersed throughout Medfield to benefit the community. So, community members gathered at Medfield High School dressed in running gear, holiday outfits, and some with canine companions to participate in this year’s Angel Run.
The emcee of this year’s run was Greg Schwandick, who announced the course’s winter theme and gave out the usual instructions to wait behind the starting line. He also suggested the ore serious, competitive runners go towards the front of the line, and those with small children or dogs go to the back to avoid accidental trampling.
Sophia O’Toole, a Medfield High School senior, sang the national anthem to start the event. With a chill in the air and anticipation in their bones, the racers huddled behind the starting line and waited. As soon as the airhorn went off, they took off.
The course takes the runners through Medfield, down the streets to the cheering of local cheerleaders, underneath large snowflakes and candy canes. It turned running into a scene from the Nutcracker, and one with an end goal that benefitted the community.The runners came in with surprising speed with the cold weather. First through the finish line was Tommy Ross after only 17 minutes and 14 seconds! Ross runs it even though he’s not from the area, but family down the street had a child in the same grade as Natasha so he runs it for them. Next was Bryce Jenning and Chris Unger, both students who came in just after Ross. Yana Zubarev was first for the women, taking the last corner like it was nothing to her.
Runners crossed the finish line at the other side of the high school and were greeted with water, apples and bananas, and a small runners party in the school. They had set up small carnival games, like bowling, ring toss, and more! From candy canes to pizza, there was food and treats for all to be had. It was a wonderful day for a wonderful cause. Congratulations to all the runners!
