Rocket Race organizers Dorothy Sutton and Sarah Nugent were getting a bit nervous about 7am on September 22. The sky was gray and drizzly, and setup for the first annual Rocket Race to benefit AYFS had begun.
“We were amazed when the clouds started to part around 8” said Sutton. During registration, the gathering crowd of runners and supporters were entertained by DJ Sprino. Volunteers served up Starbucks Coffee before stretching out with Finz of the Worcester Sharks and Andrea Johnson of Everybody’s Fitness Center.
At about 9am, 45 youngsters participated in the 1k Fun Run around the AHS track. Finz greeted each with a high five as they were awarded their Finisher ribbons.
To kick off the 5K and 10K feature events, Auburn High School student Julie Mulcahey sang the National Anthem. While older runners prepared to set off, a bounce house, crafts and games for the kids were led by Kiley Spafford, 15, of Worcester, MA.
The sun finally broke through as they called runners to the line, and the race began at exactly 10:00 am. Along the route, runners were cheered on and served water by the Auburn High School Varsity and JV Boys Soccer team. The Auburn High School girls Cross Country team worked with the Central Mass Striders to record times. Runners were welcomed to the finish line with water, fresh fruit, snacks and Emergen-C, distributed by the Auburn High School Student Council and National Honor Society Members.
Finally, with the help of Nora Foley of Auburn – one of the youngest 5k runners – medals were awarded to top finishers.
“We were thrilled to have 193 total runners at the event” said Sutton. “For our first year we consider that a major accomplishment, and are extremely grateful to Auburn High School, many sponsors and community supporters, and the 90 volunteers that helped make
this day a success.”
So far the event has raised over $4,000 (and counting!) for Auburn Youth and Family Services. Sutton and Nugent plan to make this an annual event and hope to see it grow and improve with each successive year.
Winners by category:
5K Top Finishers
Overall Male Overall Female
CJ Bernier, Age 14 Sera Vermette, Age 33
Age 8-19 Male Age 8-19 Female
CJ Bernier Haley Spafford
Age 20-29 Male Age 20-29 Female
Christopher Rodwill Emily Robbins
Age 30-39 Male Age 30-39 Female
Chris Beyer Sera Vermette
Age 40-49 Male Age 40-49 Female
Henry Tessman Julie Valois
Age 50+ Male Age 50+ Female
Joe Giacobbe Nancy Bissonette
10K Top Finishers
Overall Male Overall Female
Steven Nelson Linda Spooner
Age 20-29 Male Age 20-29 Female
James McGuigan Lindsay Morrissey
Age 30-39 Male Age 30-39 Female
Steve Nelson Linda Spooner
Age 40-49 Male Age 40-49 Female
Tim Rothfuss Mary Thurber
Age 50+ Male Age 50+ Female
Ray Butler Kelle Farrugia