Off to the Races for a Great Community Cause

Scattered raindrops christened the 5K faithful, as runners took their places at the start of the Salvation Army Run/Walk Into Summer run at Rivier University Thursday evening.

"We have about 110 runners registered so far," said Jennifer Horn, who helped organize the event as Director of Development and Community Affairs for the Salvation Army. 

The annual run was moved to a Thursday to avoid competition with high school graduations this year.

Horn explained that the race is one of seven in a series of Millennium Running Gate City races, and expects that momentum for the series will build among local runners.

"We're trying to make sure runners have a good, high-quality running experience," Horn said.

Ryan Young, 10, a member of Granite State Flash Junior Olympics youth track and field club, was ready to run. His dad, Randall, said he predicted his son would place in the Top 10.

In fact, based on the results, dad knows best – Ryan place No. 7.

About 20 runners representing Enterprise Bank were on hand for the race, led by team captain Barry Pearson, who's been running for 35 years.

Mike Gallagher, Risk Management Director for Enterprise Bank, said there are about 40 runners who have been entering local races for the past three years.

Marc Johnson was there to coach two of his three 9-year-old triplets.

Olivia and Griffin Johnson were ready to run, while their brother Ethan, was going to cheer from the sidelines.

"They all run for Nashua PAL and Bicentennial Cross Country, which my wife, Heidi coaches," Johnson said. "My two boys were national champs.

Alderman Mark Cookson decided to join the walkers, estimating he'd have just enough time to walk about a mile before heading off to a budget meeting at City Hall.

"I brought a change of clothes, and I'm hoping the timing will work out just about right so I can make it over there for the 7 p.m. Budget Review Committee.

Following the race, participants were invited back for a cookout at Rivier.

Click here for race results via Millennium Running.