Wally's Wicked Good 5K Brings Out a Crowd Despite Rainy Skies

Runners braved rain and puddles and mud for the third annual Wicked Good 5K and Fun Run on Thursday, May 9 at Auburndale Cove.

In spite of the less than perfect weather, race coordinator Anita Alden said this year's event was a success.

"We are blessed with a loyal following of local runners -- some of whom have run all three years," Alden told Patch. "Our kids fun run grows each year, and this year the young runners were not at all deterred by the steady rain or muddy course!"

Proceeds from the race, which is put on by Wally's Wicked Good Ice Cream and Treats, benefitted the Melanoma Foundation of New England.

Alden said she was surprised this year by the number of teams running in support of a loved one with melanoma.

"As a 13-year survivor of stage 3 melanoma, I know how isolating this disease can be," Alden said. "I was so moved to see the teams cheering each other on, and finding support in numbers here at the race.

"In fact, one fellow stopped his bolt toward the finish line to run over and give me a bear hug and big thank you before he finished his race. The fact that this race is becoming an extension of the MFNE community of support is so gratifying to our family."

In all, nearly 200 runners took part in the 5K portion of the day and Newton's own David Robb came out the top overall finisher with a time of 17:41.

The top female finisher was Colleen Sampson of Leominster, Mass., with a time of 19:52.

Kyle Northrop, also of Newton, placed second overall and first in his 15-19-year-old age group with a time of 18:06.

Check out the full race results on RaceWire.