By Ken Chaisson
Hometown Weekly Reporter
There are certain signs of spring which New Englanders look forward to: The Red Sox, the Flower Show, daylight savings time, crocuses popping through the ground and the start of the outdoor road race season.
The 14th annual Mick Morgan’s 5K for HESSCO was held on Saturday March 15, 2025 on a raw, cool, foggy spring morn. It was a little bit o’ Ireland for all participants which is a perfect day for runners. The race was created in 2011 by Brian Johnson who still manages it today.
This race route starts and finishes at Mick Morgan’s Irish Pub in Sharon, MA winding its way through Walpole with the route going up Old Post Road & Baker Street and through the Alton Street/Carriage Lane neighborhood then back down Baker Street. Mick Morgan’s is technically located in Sharon but it’s so close to the Walpole line many folks consider it Walpole.
HESSCO, based in Walpole, provides support and services for elders, individuals living with a disability and their caregivers. HESSCO collaborates with physicians, hospitals, Councils on Aging, Visiting Nurse Associations, home health providers, transportation vendors and other service agencies to optimize available services and benefits to ensure the best possible outcome for you. This race helps raise funds for HESSCO programs such as Meals on Wheels and home care services. HESSCO is the Area Agency on Aging in 12 South Norfolk County towns. Over 700 residents receive Meals on Wheels regularly.
This year’s race drew over 40 sponsors, twenty one teams and a record breaking 825 runners. That nearly doubled the turnout from 2023. Runners ranged from ages 3 to 78. Team Schmutzfinken brought 74 competitors. An army of volunteers pitched in to pull off a flawless event.
The race raises over $20,000 for HESSCO which is by far their biggest fundraiser.
Bobby McDonough from Walpole finished first overall in a time of 19:23. Emma Francis from Boston was the first female finisher completing the course in 21:45.
Eleven year old Jack Hartford of Foxboro finished 7th overall in an impressive time of 21:21.
The group winners were:
• Overall Male – Bobby McDonough
• Overall Female - Emma Francis
Top 2 Teams – lowest combined times of first five members to finish:
• Team Schmutzfinken
• OTF Walpole Pace Pushers
70 – 79:
• Female – Sandra Denekamp
• Male – Kevin Coughlan
60 – 69:
• Female – Andrea Amps
• Male – Michael Flahive
50 – 59:
• Female – Diane Gangi
• Male – Jace Jenkins
40 – 49:
• Female – Emily Larson
• Male – Ryan Casal
30 – 39:
• Female – Kathleen Mroz
• Male – Adrian Ramirez
20 – 29:
• Female – Olivia Lambert
• Male – Sean Corriveau
15 – 19:
• Female – Delia Kelly
• Male – Josh Black
Under 14:
• Female – Emma Riley
• Male – Jack Hartford
As the sea of green outfits completed their endeavor, one is reminded that on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish! More than a few Guinness were poured post race. There is nary a warmer spot than an Irish Pub in March.
