Walpole Holds 48th Annual Labor Day Road Race on Monday

Walpole MA

30 August, 2021

3:08 PM

Description

WALPOLE, MA - A Walpole tradition is running strong on Monday, September 6, as the town prepares for its 48th annual Walpole Labor Day Road Race, one of the area's oldest. The event is an opportunity for residents to reconnect as the pandemic lessens its grip, according to Lance Campbell, a race volunteer and member of the boosters for Walpole High School's cross country and track teams. "We have had such a long tradition with this race," he said. "It's a chance for everyone to get together again and celebrate our town." The event also has a mission - to provide financial support to the high school's track teams, which include about 200 students. "It has helped provide funding for the girls and boys outdoor track teams at the high school," Campbell explained. "Some of the money also goes toward assistant coaches and supplies." Last year, the race was held virtually due to COVID-19. There is a virtual option for this year for 5K and 10K contests for those who cannot participate on Labor Day. "It was really different virtually last year," Campbell said. "There were no crowds to cheer you on, and there was no physical line to tow." Having the town come together and rally behind a cause is important to the community's fabric, he added. "It's going to be an exciting time, just to be out in the open air and celebrate with each other," Campbell said. There are three contests that morning, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Walpole High School. A one-mile fun run for youth sponsored by Marathon Sports will start the morning. This is the sixth year of the youth competition. The Herb Lewis Memorial and John D. Murphy 10K Race (6.2 miles) and "Walpole Ed" 5K Run/Walk (3.1 miles) start and finish at Walpole High School. Campbell decided to become a volunteer because of what the sport has meant to him throughout his life. He was an all-American track star in high school, as was his wife. His daughter ran for one year on the girl's cross country team, while his eldest son spent four years on the outdoor track team and three on its indoor counterpart. "There's nothing like the feeling when you start a race on the line with everyone and then cross that finish line alone," he said. "That's what's so beautiful about running. There's a huge sense of accomplishment." He noted that, now that the Boston Marathon has been moved to October, the Walpole run could be "a good tune up" for avid runners. Local restaurants have sprinted to help the cause, donating a percentage of their purchases on designated days to the event. Since July, businesses including Family Pizzeria, The Raven's Nest, Tessie's Bar & Kitchen, Jalapenos Mexican Grill, and Crisp have contributed. Campbell said it's not too late to join in a race. "There is an online registration form that is open until Sunday evening," he said. "But we won't turn anyone away on Labor Day." For more information, go to https://runsignup.com/race/ma/...