Runners braved hills and chilly temperatures for Saturday’s Not a Walk in the Park 5k at Breakheart Reservation to benefit YMCA of Metro North scholarships.
“We had a record turnout with 315 runners across seven age divisions,” Saugus YMCA Health and Wellness Director David Colarossi said.
Runners spoke to the The Saugus Advocate about why they decided to participate.
New Bedford resident Michael Grasela placed first with a time of 18:20. “I grew up going to the Y, “Grassela said. “I learned how to swim there and made fun memories.”
Gloucester resident Fabian Mejorada placed second with a time of 19:09. “A Cape Ann YMCA member, I wanted to give back to the community,” Mejorada said. “I ran the race with my brother Raul Alejandro.” He runs 100 miles a month, averaging seven minutes per mile.
Third place winner Jesse Belding, who averages a five-minute mile, said he wanted to support the Y.
According to Communications and Marketing Vice President Sandy St. Louis, this race will be followed by the Demakes Family YMCA’s Stride Along the Tide 5k at Nahant Lowlands Park on May 13, the Melrose Family YMCA’s Spooky Sprint in Downtown Melrose on October 28 and the Torigian Family YMCA’s Livestrong at the Y 5k at Ross Park in Peabody on November 18. The Road Race Series attracts 1,500 participants annually and raises $80,000 for the YMCA of Metro North. Proceeds from each race support financial assistance for children and families in YMCA of Metro North programs. The YMCA of Metro North provides more than $1.6 million in assistance each year.
Winners: Third place winner Katelyn Nauman (30:21), second place winner Libby (30:11), who placed first in the female under 18 division, and second place winner for the 40 to 49 winner division, Daniel Naumann (22:22), all of Melrose.Pictured from left to right: Saugus YMCA Executive Director Amy Looney, State Representative Donald Wong and Saugus YMCA Health and Wellness Director David Colarossi put on their track shoes. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino)During Saturday’s Not a Walk in the Park 5k at Breakheart Reservation, top finisher Michael Grasela said he learned to swim at the YMCA while growing up.Billerica resident Jesse Belding placed third with a time of 19:47.Gloucester resident Fabian Mejorada placed second with a time of 19:09.Team Running United Nationwide: Pictured from left to right: Lynn resident Miguel Areyzaga (33:34), Lynn resident Solice Reynoso (25:12), Gloucester resident Raul Alejandro (22:23) – first in 30 to 39 age group – and Rochester, N.Y. resident Julian Mejorada (30:03) said it was a tough race with many hills.Event organizers, pictured from left to right: Saugus YMCA Branch Manager Rick Baez, Executive Director Amy Looney and Health and Wellness Director David Colarossi.an Workman, 14, of Salem, Mass., placed first in the male under 18 division with a time of 23:14 and 23:40, respectively.Malden residents Jennifer Staples, who placed first in the 40 to 49 age group division with a time of 25:03, is shown alongside her husband, Nathan, and their children, Stella and Jason Lamb.The race kicked off.In third was Billerica resident Jesse Belding with a time of 19:47.Gloucester resident Fabian Mejorada, who placed second, runs 100 miles a month, averaging seven minutes per mile.New Bedford resident Michael Grasela placed first with a time of 18:20.
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