By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Northborough – The Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce added new features to its 22nd annual Applefest 5K Race/Walk, beginning and ending at Marion E. Zeh School. This year, 411 runners and walkers participated.
Action began with the new 50-yard Appleseed Dash, a free treat for children up to age 11. Each finisher took home a medal. Before and after the dash they could get their faces painted by Shrewsbury High School students.
This year, the top three male and female finishers were recognized at the awards ceremony. Finishing first overall in 16:43 was Nat Larson of Amherst. A close second overall in 16:47 was Chris Benestad of Northborough. Kevin Ciszewski of Northborough finished third in 18:12.
The first-place woman finishing in 19:43 was Kristin Flajslik of Hopkinton, who wore a T-shirt proclaiming “I’m running for two” because she’s 15-weeks pregnant. Jacqueline Shakar of Sutton finished second among women in 20:15. Finishing third among women was Emily Miller of Delmar, N.Y., in 20:44.
The awards ceremony also recognized the first male and female finishers in 18 age categories from 10 to 83.
Also new this year, the chamber invited businesses to organize a team with a chance to be awarded Fastest Time or Team Spirit. The UniBank team was the fastest. Deemed the most spirited was the team sponsored by Mirick O’Connell Attorneys at Law.
Another first for this year’s race was that it served as the official 5K of the Massachusetts Senior Games.
Once again, Community Advocate and PR Running were the presenting sponsors.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.
