Healthy Kids Day a success, lace up for 5K

BY BRIAN FLYNN, LVO YMCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Y kicked off the countdown to summer with its annual Healthy Kids Day with fun activities for the whole family. More than 300 children attended and enjoyed a variety of activities, including gardening, making camp friendship bracelets, swimming in the pool and jumping in the gymnastics studio.The day ended with a special family yoga session.

We were thrilled to have the Swampscott Police and their adorable canine team member Sora visit, as well as the Salem Fire Department which shared safety tips and touch-a-truck fun. A special thank you to all our vendors for sharing important opportunities and information, including Foster Massachusetts, Marblehead Mental Health Task Force and Happy Joy Balloons.

Healthy Kids Day is the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families. For over 30 years, YMCAs and their communities have hosted free community events aimed to inspire kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active throughout the summer months and beyond.

More Y events to keep you active and connected this summer include our 2nd annual ‘Head to the Hill 5K. This run through Swampscott and Marblehead is just days away. Join us Sunday, May 21, at 9 a.m. There is still time to register. This 5K begins at the Y and goes through Swampscott, past Preston Beach and back up to Leggs Hill Road through Marblehead neighborhoods.

In 2022, the YMCA of the North Shore reinvested $4.3 million to ensure 4,000 families and individuals in our communities, including Marblehead, had access to programming, services and resources they need through financial assistance and scholarships. In 2023, participation in our road races will continue to allow our Y to say ‘yes’ to those who need us most.

Shirt & bib pick up at the Y will be Thursday, May 18, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, May 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, May 21, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Register at raceroster. com/events/2023/66709/ head-to-the-hill-5k-road-race.

The ‘Head to the Hill 5K Road Race is also part of the relaunched Marblehead Road Race Series featuring four 5K road races between May 21 and November 5. In addition to ‘Head to the Hill, the series includes Run for the Fund 5K (supporting financial, needbased college scholarships), Miles for Mary 5K (in memory of Mary Park and supporting brain cancer research at Mass General Cancer Center) and the Rotary Club 5K (providing a mindfulness program to all Marblehead schools to support mental health for local youth).

These events will provide runners/walkers opportunities to compete, win prizes and support charitable causes. Register at marbleheadraceseries.com/.

The Road Race Series, first launched by Marblehead resident Bill Park, founder of the Miles for Mary 5K Walk/ Run, was active from 2013 to 2019. Park and three other race organizers saw an opportunity to relaunch the series with a goal to collaborate, exchange ideas and ultimately build community among those who enjoy running and walking. Participants who register for, and complete, all four events will be eligible to receive a hooded sweatshirt.

Y’s first-ever tournament at Tedesco Country Club

This tournament is Monday, June 12. Registration opens at 10:30 a.m. and the tournament begins at noon. Learn more at northshoreymca.org/ communityevents.

The Y is better together, refer a friend

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. Visit the welcome center or reach out to Membership Director Jane Rizza at rizzaj@northshoreymca.org.

About the YMCA of the North Shore

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youthdevelopment, 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 50,000 members and program participants in 25 cities and towns across the North Shore and in southern New Hampshire.