Wayside Run for Fun draws crowd, raises scholarship funds
By Louis DeFelippi Contributing Writer
Marlborough - This year's Wayside Racquet and Swim Club Run for Fun June 27 was the 13th running of the annual event. For the last three years, the 5k race has been for the benefit of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund and has raised more than $25,000 that the Chamber has awarded as scholarships to area graduates.

At the awards ceremony, first-place female in the 25-29 age category, Elizabeth Soroka, accompanied by daughter Maddie, receives her medal from Wayside General Manager Darren McLaughlin.

This challenge, which has always been held on the last Wednesday in June, seems to fall on the hottest day of the summer. This year was no exception with temperatures in the 90s. However, the heat didn't keep people away or dampen anyone's spirits; there was a capacity crowd of racers, volunteers, friends and families.

Undaunted by the heat, the racers started on schedule at 6:30 p.m., heading down Broadmeadow Road to Farm Road, and ultimately leading to the notorious Phelps Street Hill. The first person, Sonny Gamble, crossing the finish line took 17 minutes and 12 seconds to complete the course.

Justin Fillios (left) and Calvin Fillios (right) enjoy the company of Mac (middle, furry) at the Wayside Racquet and Swim club before the 2007 fun run.

The run was followed by a cookout with hamburgers, hot dogs, cold beverages and even cotton candy, served while the Wayside Racquet and Swim Club General Manager Darren McLaughlin presented the participant awards.

Cotton candy A big hit with the younger set was the cotton candy. Frank Boffoli expertly gathers the sweet confection around a cone. Marlborough City Councilor Maura Navin-Webster, after singing the national anthem and getting resounding applause from the crowd, gets a hug from her daughter Madelyn at the Wayside Road Race to benefit Marlborough Regional Chamber Commerce Scholarship Fund. As could be expected, the 5k run/walk posted results became the center of attention with all the racers Norman MacKinnon, 75, this year's most senior participant and first in his age category at 25:33, is planning to run a dozen races this year.