Saturday had the feel of another autumn beginning in Medfield with the annual Parks and Recreation road races taking place prior to the opening of Medfield Day, 2011.

But this year's races were a bit different.

With the involvement of Medfield native Megan McAvoy and her Bulfinch Group colleagues, this year’s race had more participants and a $5,000 financial fundraising goal to go to the Medfield Parks and Recreation programs.

McAvoy and Harry Brousaides, from Bulfinch Group, reached out to local businesses to sponsor this race and the local businesses responded in a positively to the opportunity. McAvoy grew up in Medfield and wanted to give back to the community and feels that physical fitness and financial fitness are connected and this race was a great way to connect with the Medfield community. 

At 8:30 a.m. approximately 70 youngsters participated by running in the 1K Fun Run road race. 

Madison Colleran was the winner, but all who took part in the race received a prize. Melody Chen, a high school volunteer, let the children pick a prize once they crossed the finish line.

Jim Snyder, director of the parks and recreation department said the 1K race was “the biggest turnout I’ve seen.” The race is in its 17th year.

While the first race was going on, approximately 107 runners participating in the 5K were warming up and many said they signed up to run because it is a community event and to support the Parks and Recreation programs. 

Ingrid Nevins, along with her husband, Brian, ran because “it’s a fun family event and to stay in shape.”

Dave McGlone, one of the first people to become a race sponsor, got involved to help the community. 

Deb Gursha and Anne Sawan said running this race is “great exercise” and it’s “multi-generational.”

One of the youngest runners was 5th grader, Breanna Morgan, who said this was her first 5K.

MHS cross country teammates, Matt and Andrew Morahan, Jack Moses (second place – time 18:15), Jake Phelan, Ashley Campisano (first place – 22:07) and coach, Tom Woods were running as “practice.”

Mother of two, Heidi Lusby (second place in the women’s race), crossed the finish line shortly after Campisano. The first runner to cross the finish line for the men was Andy Gardiner of Dover, who finished in 16:19. 

There were even a few runners pushing strollers, such as Megan Fratolillo, who finished in 27 minutes.

George Dealy has been running in this race for over 15 years and his son, Daniel, accompanied him.  When asked about the
changes he has seen over the years, he responded, “every year the runners are younger.” 

Brad Garnett, with friends, Sean Kaye and Mike Drumm said it’s just fun to come out and run. 

“It’s a Medfield town tour at a quick pace,” said Kaye.

At the conclusion of the race, Snyder still needed to crunch the numbers to see if their goal of $5,000 was met, but everyone in participation enjoyed the morning event leading up to Medfield Day.