Waltham residents make a splash at YMCA 5K race

The Waltham YMCA held its Dash N Splash 5K road race and outdoor pool swim on Saturday, Aug. 1, as part of the YMCA of Greater Boston 5K Race Series, a schedule of road races in the Boston area that encourage people to set fitness goals and experience the fun of competition.

The morning was warm and sunny as Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy welcomed everyone and acknowledged all the YMCA does for people of all ages. Lindsey Lerit, Waltham Y executive director, led a brief warm-up for the more than 100 runners poised at the starting line. People of all ages, including parents pushing strollers and a threesome with their dog in tow, made a fast start.

The 5K course led them down the Y’s long driveway, turning right on Lexington Street and left on Lake Street. Runners looped around Pizzi Farms and back down Lake Street. The sun was strong and the temperature was rising as runners hit the final stretch up the Y’s winding driveway that was described by Lerit as “Waltham’s own Heartbreak Hill.” 

Cold bottles of water were quickly consumed along with healthy snacks. Then came the best part: a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool for runners!