Runners race for the 4th

Runners woke up early, and ran 3.2 miles in the annual road race, sponsored by the Lynnfield Athletic Association, to kick-off their 4th festivities.

In addition to awarding six athletic scholarships to graduating seniors, the LAA supplies athletic equipment, uniforms, letter jackets, trophies and pins.

Last year, $6,500 was raised.

As to why the 4th, LAA co-president, Kathleen Dario stated:"It was started by the Lynnfield Couples Club years ago for something fun to do and a way to celebrate this holiday."

Thirty-eight awards were given out in various categories, including first- and second-place trophies for men and women in different age groups, ranging from 10- to 70-years-old, as well as recognition of the day's overall winners.

Dina Wilkinson, 45, of Lynnfield, won first place in the female age group, ages 40-49. She finished at 21:50.

Wilkinson, and her multi-member family, have participated in this race for the past several years.

"We run, because we live in Lynnfield, and it's a fun, local race," she said.

Stephen, her husband, who also participated, added, "It's a healthy way to start the day."

They train by running together a few times per week.

Wilkinson has won the past three years in her respective age group category.

She mentioned that the race runs from Town Hall, Summer Street --Walnut Street -- left on Thomas Road -- left, back on Summer Street, finishing at Town Hall.

Chair, Dawn Roman, initiated online registration, which doubled pre-registration to 200 runners this year. There were more than 300 runners Monday morning.

"Ease of sign-up, along with more race marketing, contributed to the increase in registrations," Roman said.

Under 20 years old and 30-50 years old were the most popular age divisions. To emphasize the importance of athletics for young people, as they are the next generation, sixteen trophies were given to youth, which is double the amount from last year.

The Weeks also ran for their July 4th family-wide tradition.

April Weeks, 7, of Portsmouth, N.H., won second place in the female age group, 1-10. She finished at 32:15.

Her grandfather was her inspiration, who placed 1st five consecutive years, beginning in 1967, and won 2nd place four other years.

His son, Rick, called him the #1 runner in New England in the late '50s/early '60's -- winning the Boston Marathon several times.

"We're originally from Summer Street in Lynnfield," Rick Weeks said, "It's a tradition that we do this every year. We're one of the originals."

He added that luck and which (beginner- or advanced-) runners show up determines the odds of winning.

LAA co-president and treasurer, Linda Rugato, mentioned other highlights of the road race.

Besides the award ceremony, LHS graduate and Berklee College of Music student, Zach Weeks was the DJ, and a raffle awarded Dunkin' Donuts/Dick's Sporting Goods/restaurant gift cards, as well as local golf, haircuts, and lobster bake gift certificates.

"We pride ourselves as a town for providing necessary support to our student athletes," Rugato said.

LAA co-president, Dario, doesn't have any more children in the school system, and thus, Rugato will be the only remaining active member of LAA, which makes for a desperate need to see more parents to become involved.

"Volunteers are very much needed to keep this worthwhile organization running," Dario explained, "We are about 25-30 percent of the athletic budget for the high school, so without the support of the LAA boosters, it will be difficult to provide the many items that we subsidize."

Major sponsors include: Wakefield Cooperative Bank, Giugliano Corporation, Greater Lynn Senior Services, Moynihan Lumber, The Savings Bank, and Northrup Associates. Their logos appeared on race materials, including T-shirts, and in newspapers as well as the 2011-2012 athletic program booklets.

Margaret Gilligan, marketing director of GLSS, mentioned employees of the non-profit were there to promote their organization.

"We're here to tell people that senior centers are a great place to stay fit and healthy with its exercise classes and fitness center," she said.

Seniors include people who are 60+ older, and there were several runners in that age category, including former Lynn mayor Chip Clancy, who won in the senior division.

For information, visit lynnfield.k12.ma.us/lynnfield_boosters.

For race results, visit http://www.coolrunning.com/results/10/ma/Jul4_40thAn_set1.shtml.