Fourth annual Vet's Day race
Published on November 5th, 2003
STONEHAM, MA - With less than a week to go, organizers of the 4th annual Veteran's Memorial Road Race expect nearly 300 runners to participate in the only certified 11K road race in the country.
On Tuesday November 11, at 11:11 am, a cannon shot over the Town Common will mark the start of the official race, which in past years has drawn athletes from as far as Germany and California.
"We're just really excited this year. We already have about 70 registered runners. I think a lot of people are holding out to register on Monday night, so we're expecting a huge turnout," exclaimed Natalie Webb, the race's director.
The 11K course runs from the front of Town Hall to Main Street, around Spot Pond and then loops back down Main Street to Central Street.
With participants including members of the Stoneham Fire Department, Stoneham's Shamrock Running Club and individual racers running on behalf of a particular veteran, the highlight of the race will be an appearance from the Bridgewater State Armed Forces Club, which will run in military formation throughout the entire race, says Webb.
According to former Selectman Darin Leahy, who has participated and helped prepare for the race since its creation four years ago, the events mark an opportunity for citizens to honor the nation's veterans.
"It's very important to honor our veterans on Veteran's Day, especially in these trying times. As a veteran myself, I think we should honor them and bring the community together," commented Leahy, a US Navy Veteran.
"Even if you don't run, come down, cheer the runners, and see the ceremony," implored Leahy.
Featuring an honor guard march by the American Legion, patriotic music by DJ Ronnie of Spinelli Entertainment, and a new toddler trot and kid's fun run, the events will attempt to draw a large crowd of youths to the event.
"The whole purpose of the race is to educate our youth. A lot of older people remember Veteran's Day but not a lot of younger people," explained Webb.
For the fourth year in a row, Stoneham resident Len Locke, who Webb describes as about 70-years-old, will again participate in the road race.
"I just stand on the finish line and clock everybody in and I get very moved by seeing him...It's just a very emotional race and veterans really appreciate it. A lot of the older veterans come out in force," said Webb.
Proceeds from the road race will benefit the Northeast Outreach Center of Haverhill, MA.
Providing assistance to over 700 veterans each month, the non-profit organization also houses 47 homeless veterans and donates emergency food supplies to over 50 families each month.
"We feel that they're not as well known as other veterans organizations. It's an organization that does a great job by supporting over 700 families each month," commented Webb, adding that $1200 was donated to the group last year.
With the event's costs jumping up each year, the race's planners experienced difficulty obtaining funding for the race, which had expenditures of $5000 on complimentary tee-shirts and $1000 on trophies and awards this year.
According to Webb, without a donation from Stoneham Savings for $2500 and $1500 from the American Legion, the race might not have occurred.
"It's just a very expensive race and this year it was so hard. That's a sign of the times, I think. Without their support, we couldn't do this," said Webb.
On Monday November 10, interested runners will be able to sign up for the race at the Stoneham Elk's Lodge 2211 at 5:00 pm. In addition, a free-pasta party will be held at the Elks and all runners, veterans and their families can attend the event.
Interested runners unable to sign up on Monday may also sign up at 8 am in Town Hall on Tuesday, where several vendors such as Metro Sports and Liberty Tax will have booths.
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