By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
On Monday, September 4, Walpole hosted the 50th Annual Walpole Labor Day Road Race. More than 500 runners gathered at the starting line early on Labor Day morning to participate in this highly anticipated event.
For the past five decades, this annual road race has provided local athletes of all ages, shapes, and sizes with the opportunity to challenge themselves and take part in a cherished community tradition. The Walpole Labor Day Road Race serves as the largest fundraiser in town, supporting both the Walpole High School Cross Country and Walpole High School Track and Field programs. The participation in this event contributes to the support of over 200 local students actively involved in these programs each school year.
The Road Race commenced at Walpole High School, where it also concluded. The Run House Mile, a youth fun run, started at 9 a.m., followed by the "Walpole Ed" 5K promptly at 9:30 a.m., and The Herb Lewis Memorial and John D. Murphy & Co 10K shortly thereafter at 9:45 a.m. Virtual versions of the 5K and 10K were available to those unable to participate in the traditional race but still wanted to show their support for the Walpole High School Cross Country and Track and Field student athletes.
Runners were eager to begin as they awaited the start signal at the starting line. Each participant was guaranteed to receive a finisher's medal as a proud testament to the hard work they put into training and participating in the Road Race.
Winners were in line to receive various awards in recognition of their achievements. Brendan Sullivan of Foxborough, the 10K male winner, would have his name engraved on the Herb Lewis Memorial Trophy, displayed at The Run House. Mary Beth Cashman of Shrewsbury, the 10K female winner, was set to have her name engraved on the John Murphy Trophy, displayed at John D. Murphy & Co. The top three finishers in both the 5K and 10K races would be honored with specially engraved placement medals, and the winning teams in the 5K and 10K races would have their team names engraved on a Team Plaque, to be displayed at Walpole High School.
For more information about the Walpole Annual Labor Day Road Race, including a list of winners and sponsors, please visit their website at https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Walpole/WalpoleRoadRace.
