KIM SAVIO runs happy during the 56th Lynnfield Athletic Association’s 4th of July 5K. (Heather Dreher Photo)

 

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield Athletic Association had its annual 4th of July 5K road race on a damp, humid day last Tuesday with 302 runners competing. This was the 56th edition of the event that was canceled due to Covid back in 2020 and 2021.

There were 12 runners from North Reading who participated in the event.

Jason Paige was the top North Reading participant as the 40-year-old placed third overall with a time of 18:59.

“This was my first time running this race,” said Paige, who ran at Woburn High and UMass-Lowell. “I am training for the Chicago Marathon later this year.”

Paige, who is a construction manager, normally does four or five 5K races throughout the year and he runs between 40-55 miles per week for training.

“I was happy with my time,” he added. “That was my second-best overall time in a 5K. The race was well-organized, and the course was easy to follow with the right amount of water stations.”

 

JASON PAIGE, pictured during the most recent Boston Marathon, took 3rd overall at the Lynnfield Athletic Association’s 56th 4th of July 5K road race. (Courtesy Photo)

 

Lynnfield’s Nathan Lopez (18), who is going to the University of Michigan on a track and cross-country scholarship this fall, was first at 16:52 while 21-year-old Patrick Walsh placed second at 17:58.

At 58 years old, North Reading’s John Sievers had a great race coming in 16th at 21:35. Jule Slootbeek was the third North Reading racer to cross the finish line at 26:02 as the 39-year-old came in 77th place.

Malka Travaglini was the first North Reading woman to finish as the 38-year-old placed 96th overall at 26:51.

Katelyn Connally (42) was 103rd at 27:26 while 15-year-old Juliet Wasilewski came in 106th at 27:35. Three seconds behind her was David Wasilewski as the 54-year-old came in 110th.

Corey Connally (37) placed 112th at 27:43 while Sebastian Masiello was 130th at 28:45.

Colin Kor (26) captured 150th at 29:47.

In 200th place was Kelli Strob (43), who had a time of 32:59, while Kim Savio (40) was 217th (33:56).

“The rain held off until the end so we were able to finish the race, and hand out the medals and door prizes,” said Jen Briggs, who is one of the race coordinators. “There were 302 runners this year up from 247 in 2022. Despite the weather, we had a very successful day for the LAA. We want to thank our donors and the Lynnfield community for all their support.”