Reardon 5K nets hundreds

More than 326 runners came during Sunday’s somewhat chilly morning for the third annual Austin Reardon Memorial 5K, starting at the Knights of Columbus on Nichols Street in Norwood.

The race raises money for the Austin Reardon Memorial Foundation, which has funded several scholarships for Norwood graduating seniors since its inception, donating more than $25,000 in scholarships and also providing sock donations to the Pine Street Inn for residents there.

Austin’s Mom Kerry Reardon said she was so thankful for the response from the community.

“I want to thank all the runners, volunteers, and the donors for continuously coming out and remembering my baby,” she said. “We really appreciate it, more than you know. It is my honor to continue to give out these scholarships. It is the best part of it, really. His legacy is going to be meaningful in somebody’s life. I really do appreciate everybody coming out to support that. I hope you have an amazing day, and thank you, again and again, for continuing to support us.”

Organizers Kathy Ekberg and Kathy Keady said they were happy with the weather and happy with the turnout.

“We’re very happy,” Ekberg said. “I can see the sun right now, which is a first for us… And we’ve got some very enthusiastic people coming, we’ve got raffle prizes, we’ve got food, and we have more than 30 Norwood high school students, including some from Dedham, volunteering.”

Despite the heated rivalry between the Norwood Mustangs and the Dedham Marauders, Ekberg said the response from Dedham and all the surrounding towns has been extraordinary.

“Everyone’s been really supportive,” she said. “We’ve got donations from Dedham, Westwood, Sharon, Walpole and more. I think because he was a hockey player, I think a lot of people relate. And it’s all going to a good cause.”

Ekberg and Keady both said the race this year was a bit easier, and they almost have the entire process down to a science.

“Every year we get a little bit better, and I think we’ve got most of the kinks out,” she said. “This year we’re having a little bit of a problem with the wifi, but other than that everything is where it should be.”

“It’s always hectic, but in the best possible way,” said Keady.

St. Catherine’s Father Chris said the race’s opening prayer and sang the U.S. National Anthem before the starting gun. He said the Reardons are parishioners and said the church offers its support to the family.

“We participate in this every year to offer our support and prayers to the Reardon family as well as offering our support to the runners,” he said. “This is my third year coming to this... it’s great. Every year the Town seems to come together for this family, and I think that’s wonderful.”

Resident Katie Welch said she went to school with Austin, so she never misses the race.

“I come every year, and it’s just a great cause,” she said. “It’s nice today, and it’s going to be a great time.”

Resident Alison Docette said her daughter was great friends with Austin.

“We love Austin and his family; great friends and we adopted him as our son as well,” she said. “It’s a great cause and we wanted to be here for Austin and his family.”

Runner Andrew Cobuccio said he also knew Austin growing up.

“You always want to support something like this,” he said. “I played little league with Austin for years and knew him at high school. You just want to show support for the family going through a difficult time. This is my second race, and it’s just great to see the support.”

If you want to show support, you can always donate online at https://www.ar5kroadrace.com