By Joe Curran
Community Contributor
Last Monday, September 2, marked the 51st Annual Walpole Labor Day Road Race. The event, which consists of a 10k, a 5k and a youth mile, serves as the main fundraiser for Walpole High School’s Cross Country and Track & Field Program. This year’s race eclipsed last year's record-setting numbers with over 1,200 participants. With the help of sponsors, volunteers, the Walpole DPW, and the Walpole Police, the Boosters Organization was able to pull off what many are calling its most successful road race in history.
The “Walpole Ed” 5k was the main draw of the day which hosted a total of over 600 participants. The Herb Lewis Memorial and John D. Murphy & Co. 10k and The Run House Mile both boasted about 300 registrations each. People of all ages, backgrounds and abilities came to Walpole High School to run. Participants ranged from ages 2 to 90 and athletes came from all over the state to compete in the races.
In the 5,000 meter race, Walpole resident Jeff Seelaus took first place, completing the course in just 15:45. In the 10k, Michael Brady claimed first with a time of 33:46. The winner of the youth mile was 13 year old Jonathan Seeley with a time of 6:38. The top female finishers were WHS alumnus Danielle Borelli in the 5k, Christin Hoffstadt from Jamaica Plain in the 10k, and local runner Lexie Senic in the youth mile. Additional results can be found at www.walpoleroadrace.org.
In its 51st year, the Walpole Labor Day Road Race has for the first time ever managed to break 1,000 participants. With the continued support from top level Platinum Sponsors Herb19, Global Tooling Solutions, and The Run House, the Walpole High School Cross Country and Track & Field Program is set up to have the funding needed for another successful year. Last year’s road race, which previously held the record for most participants, was followed by the WHS boys winning a divisional triple crown. With the overwhelming support at this year’s race, Walpole may have a chance at a repeat.
