up for the 2023 road race season

BY BRIAN FLYNN, LVO YMCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Y’s 2023 road race events are quickly approaching. Thesefamily friendly road races raise funds for the Y’s financial assistance program and will allow the Y to continue to support those who need the Y most. The Marblehead Y is thrilled to bring the Head to the Hill 5K back for the second year in a row as part of a series of races from April to December across the North Shore. The Head to the Hill 5K starts May 21 at 9 a.m. at the Marblehead Y and winds through Swampscott and back through Marblehead up the hilly road to the Y.

In all, there are seven road races to choose from. Pick one close to home or join in one in a variety of towns across the North Shore. Try the Rhino Run 10K (April 30), Homecoming 5K (August 3) and Reindeer Run 5K (December 2) in Beverly; the Fiesta 5K in Gloucester (June 22); the River Ruckus 5K in Haverhill (September 23) or the Witch City 5K in Salem (October 14). Pets are welcome. Learn more about each race by visiting northshoreymca.org/ programs/2023-road-races.

In 2022, with support from events like the road races and other generous donations, the YMCA of the North Shore reinvested $4.3 million in financial assistance and scholarships. This ensured that 4,000 families and individuals across the 25 communities the Y serves, including

Marblehead, had access to the Y programming, services and resources. Need help getting ready for your first 5K or just want some additional motivation and encouragement to get out there and run? The Y has created a specially designed 60 Days to My 5K program that can help you gain all the tools you need to run a 5K. 60 Days to My 5K begins March 13. Let our team of health and wellness professionals give you all the support you need, plus a detailed running plan. The program is designed to build your muscles and your mind so you are ready to run. For more information, contact Jane Rizza at rizzaj@northshoreymca.org.

Save the date: The Y’s first golf tournament at Tedesco

The Y’s first-ever golf tournament at Tedesco Country Club is on Monday, June 12.This new event will support the Y’s annual campaign which enables the Y to say ‘yes’ to everyone who wants to be part of the Y regardless of their ability to pay.

Arthur Athanas, major gifts officer at the YMCA of the North Shore, said, “This new tournament joins a long list of YMCA of the North Shore golf tournaments hosted on three of the most beautiful courses in Massachusetts: Essex County Club, Turner Hill Golf Club and Bass Rocks Golf Club. We are thrilled to be adding Tedesco to this group and look forward to the community coming out to support this exciting event.” To participate visit northshoreymca.org/ communityevents.

Remember, the Y is better with friends

Refer a friend to the Y and we’ll thank you with a free month of membership while your friend receives a $0 enrollment fee. Reach out to Membership Director Jane Rizza at rizzaj@northshoreymca.org.

About the YMCA

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more than 160 years, the YMCA of the North Shore has been the foundation of the community. It serves more than 40,000 members and program participants in 25 cities and towns across the North Shore and in southern New Hampshire.