By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The 13th Annual Mick Morgan’s 5K for HESSCO took place on Saturday, March 16th as crowds packed into the parking lot of Mick Morgan’s Irish Pub in Sharon, MA. This 5K race throughout Sharon and Walpole helps raise funds for HESSCO programs such as Meals on Wheels and home care services.
HESSCO is the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for twelve communities in South Norfolk County including Westwood, Walpole, and Medfield. Their mission is to help older adults and individuals living with a disability remain safe and independent at home for as long as they possibly can.
Community Relations Manager of HESSCO, Lisa Daly-Boockoff, was seen running the event this past Saturday, making sure everything ran smoothly. She mentioned just how important this event is and how the money they raise goes such a long way for seniors. “Our goal,” Lisa stated, “is to help seniors stay in their homes for as long as they can. For many of them, that is where they want to be and there is no greater joy than helping to provide that comfort for them. We lucked out with such a beautiful day and an excellent turnout!”
809 attendees arrived in their best St. Patrick’s Day running apparel, including shamrock tights, tutus, kilts, beads, hats and more. There were multiple special guest appearances, including the New England Patriots mascot Pat Patriot, Norfolk County Police Sheriff Patrick McDermott, and Mick Morgan. An array of booths were also set up around the parking lot, such as the Junior Women’s Club of Walpole.
Participants gathered at the starting line right at 9am to begin the race. The route for this 5K included going up on Baker Street, right on Alton, right on Old Post, right on Carriage, and left on Baker to finish the race back at Mick Morgan’s.
Awards were given in each division, with the Overall Male winner being Tyler Sullivan of East Walpole and the Overall Female winner being Mimi Fallon of Walpole. After the race, all were invited into Mick Morgan’s for food and drinks to start the kick off of the holiday weekend.
