Dreary weather and the threat of rain on Saturday, June 17, did not dissuade 130 runners and walkers from participating in the Westborough Rotary Club’s 5K Dads and Grads Race.This was the club’s 19th race, with only one year missed due to COVID.
Image: Proud race participants from left to right: Sharon Foster, Highland City Striders Running Club member, Steve Sager, Past District Governor, Jorge Yarzebski, Westborough Rotary member
Historically, the race was part of the club’s signature Spring Festival held each May with proceeds supporting scholarships awarded to Westborough High School seniors. At the town’s request, the race was moved to celebrate Westborough’s 300th anniversary with the race continuing after the 300th as a standalone event. It returned after COVID during its normal May weekend and then was rebranded as a Dads and Grads race in June with the hope of nicer weather. Although better weather wasn’t in the cards this year, the community spirit shined brightly.“The venue at the lovely Lake Chauncey fields was awesome,” stated Paul Reilly, Rotarian, owner of MidStrong, and race coordinator. “The runners and walkers loved the course, which circled the lake. We celebrated our Dads & Grads and runners with a really fun beer garden featuring local craft brewers and food trucks. Enthusiastic people showed up. Our Club showed up. And we pulled off another solid community event!"
“The Rotary Club of Westborough is excited to bring our Annual 5K Road Race to the next level,” stated Sandy Kearney, President. “This is where Rotary is at its best. Bringing the community together to raise money for the community.”
Image: Highland-City-Striders: Enthusiastic club members from the Highland City Striders of Hudson, Marlborough, and Northborough run to raise money for Rotary!