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By Laura Drinan
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Hundreds gathered at Walpole’s Mick Morgan’s Irish Pub on Saturday, March 10, to participate in the annual St. Patrick’s Day race to benefit HESSCO. The runners, dressed in as many green articles of clothing they could find, waltzed towards the start line just minutes before 9 a.m. to stretch and prepare for their run
At the sound of the “Go!” the six hundred runners gamboled across the start line before spreading out on the course and beginning their run.
“It happens in March for St. Patrick’s Day, but it’s also for March for Meals, which is a national campaign to draw attention to Meals for Wheels programs all across the country,” said Deb Fradkin, who helped to organize the event and has been involved for the past four years.
The 5K is now a longstanding tradition in the town, having started seven years ago by Brian Johnson, a Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce member and someone who had formerly been involved with HESSCO. After hearing that Johnson had experience organizing road races, HESSCO approached him with a proposal to organize a fundraiser race.
HESSCO is South Norfolk County’s Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) and Area Agency on Aging (AAA), helping older adults to maintain their independence by providing health services and nutrition program, which includes a meal delivery program.
The annual 5K acts as the largest fundraiser for HESSCO, who provides over 30,000 meals each year to local Councils on Aging.
For many of the race’s participants, the 5K is a way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while supporting the community, as all proceeds from the race’s registration go to HESSCO’s programs.
When asked about the success of the race, Johnson said, “Let’s put it at this: the first year, I was hoping to get a hundred runners. We got 350, and it’s gotten bigger every year. This has been a great year.”
From the six hundred who crossed the start line, Walpole’s Danny Horgan was the first to spring across the finish line with a 17:35 time. Norwood’s Steve Curley and Westwood’s Luke Devin finished shortly after in second and third place, respectively.
Many of the participants, however, took their time finishing the race to simply enjoy some time outside. Members of the community in their 60s and 70s ran among nine and 10-year-olds, proving that the annual 5K is one for all ages.
