Northborough’s Chris Benestad and Grafton’s Jim Callaghan (both in yellow) lead the pack at the start of the 24th Annual Applefest 5K Road Race.
Northborough – The Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 24th Annual Applefest 5k/Race Walk Sept. 16 during the town of Northborough’s annual Applefest weekend. There were 360 runners/walkers that crossed the finish line along in front of Marion E. Zeh School along with over 30 children who participated in the Kids Adventure Race that was immediately held at the completion of the 5k awards ceremony. Children from 2 to 11 years old enjoyed a fun-filled obstacle course with 10 activities that included the Farmer’s, Walk Noodle Weave, Snake Crawl, and Army Crawl.
Finishing first place in the 5k was Brandan Robertson, 23, from Westborough, with a finishing time of 16:47. Michaela Hafford, 14, from Holliston, was the first female to cross the finish line with the time of 20:29. The Team Award was presented to Vortex with the fastest running time of 17:15.
“This year’s race included runners from age 6 to 82 years old,” said Karen Chapman, president of the Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to the race, Corridor Nine offered an 8-week training program for anyone that wanted to participate in this year’s event. Running Coach Tom Ronan of MRA Multisport provided the training.
During the event, attendees enjoyed face painting, free ice cream, and visited with the many local businesses that were exhibiting. Runners were provided with the official race t-shirt and a goody bag of items donated by Chamber members and restaurants.
Race sponsors were: Presenting Sponsors: Community Advocate, PR Running, and Oasis Financial Services. Supporting Sponsor: Jimmy John’s of Northborough; Kids Adventure Race Sponsor: YMCA of Central Massachusetts, Finish Line Sponsor: Framingham State University; Race Bib Sponsor: Avidia Bank; Mile Marker Sponsors: Central One Federal Credit Union and Smook Architecture and Urban Design; Ice Cream Sponsor: Fidelity Bank; Water Station Sponsor: Talia Apartments; Water Boston Sponsors: Servpro of Shrewsbury and Grafton and Flaherty Physical Therapy; and Signage Sponsor: Sunshine Sign Company. Refreshments for the runners were sponsored by Wegmans in Northborough, Tougas Farms, Price Chopper of Shewsbury and Servpro of Shrewsbury and Grafton. Shawn Kosel of Kosel Photography captured the memories of the day as the chamber’s photographer and Crystal Entertainment Services brought the live entertainment as the DJ.
Tyler Beauchesne of Southborough appears to fly through the air during the Applefest 5K Road Race.
Northborough’s Geoff and Lily Maletta cross the finish line together at the Applefest 5K Road Race.
Applefest 5K Road Race women’s winner Michaela Hafford of Holliston crosses the finish line.
Applefest 5K Road Race winner Brendan Robertson of Westborough crosses the finish line.