Published in the August 24, 2016 edition

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The second annual Best Buddies 5K Road Race will be returning to MarketStreet Lynnfield on Sunday, Sept. 25 after the selectmen approved the road race last week.

Best Buddies Massachusetts is a non-profit organization that provides social inclusion, integrated employment and leadership opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Best Buddies serves more than 6,500 people across Massachusetts at 132 school-based chapters and within many communities.

Best Buddies Massachusetts State Director Craig Welton noted Lynnfield High School established a Best Buddies chapter last year. He said Best Buddies has “strong chapters” in Wakefield and Peabody as well.

“The 5K Road Race on Sept. 25 will serve as a means for Best Buddies to generate exposure and funds to support our efforts to provide opportunities for inclusion,” said Welton in a letter to the selectmen. “All proceeds will directly benefit Best Buddies Massachusetts.”

Welton said he has discussed the road race’s logistics with Police Chief David Breen and MarketStreet representatives.

“The 5K road race will start and finish on the MarketStreet property, with portions of the race occurring on public roads in Lynnfield,” said Welton. “A walk component of this event will occur at the same time of the 5K Road Race and will be entirely contained within the property of MarketStreet Lynnfield.”

The road race will start in front of the Express and American Eagle stores at MarketStreet. After runners proceed out of the MarketStreet complex, runners will make a left onto Walnut Street. Runners will then make a right onto Summer Street, which will be followed by a right onto Trickett Road. Runners will then make a left onto Atherton Circle. Runners will make a left on Westway, which turns into Fernway.

After coming to the end of Fernway, runners will turn left onto Walnut Street. Runners will turn right back onto Market Street, and will make a right onto King Rail Drive. Runners will turn left and head toward the finish line that will be near Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse.

Welton estimates the road race will feature 500 runners and walkers this year but said Best Buddies is looking to increase the number of participants this year.

“It could be potentially larger than last year,” said Welton.

Welton said the race will begin at 9 a.m. and he anticipates runners will be off public roads by 10:30 a.m. Registration will take place at 7 a.m.

After the race concludes, Welton said there will be festivities for attendees and the events’ participants.

Selectmen Chairman Phil Crawford expressed his support for the Best Buddies 5K Road Race.

“This is always a great event that is well attended,” said Crawford. “I hope it’s just as well attended this year and does even better. Thank you for everything that you do.”

Welton thanked the selectmen for approving the road race.

“We appreciate the support,” said Welton.