The holidays are quickly approaching, and the freezing temps that accompany them seem to be approaching even faster. Along with this wintry forecast comes the time of year when we look ahead to the New Year and resolve to improve our health and wellbeing.
On Sunday, January 6, hundreds of runners and walkers will get a jump start on these resolutions and kick off the New Year by participating in the South Shore YMCA’s 8th Annual Frozen 5K Road Race. Each person has his or her own reason for braving the cold and running or walking their 3.1 miles.
“From our members of all ages to those visiting their friends and family from out of town, we get runners from near and far who line up to race through the streets of our city each year” said Tom Healy, Director of Sports and Recreation at the Quincy YMCA.
The funds raised by the race go directly to the South Shore YMCA’s Annual Campaign. Each year the South Shore YMCA raises several million dollars to give away to families in need in the community. The Frozen 5K is one of several events designed to support that goal. The results are manifested in the positive impacts seen throughout the year at the Y’s various branches, in the early learning centers, at the Germantown Neighborhood Center, at the various day camps and elsewhere.
Events like the Frozen 5K raise funds to provide such assistance to thousands of local children, families, adults and seniors each year, with the overall goal of strengthening the communities the South Shore YMCA supports.
While prior registration is encouraged (runners 13 and up can register for $30 until January 6; runners 12 and under for $15), walk-ups can be accepted the day of the race ($35 for runners 13 and up; still $15 for 12 and under).
Runners start and end the race at the Quincy Y on Coddington Street. As the race starts the Quincy Police provide safe passage across Route 3A as runners cruise up Sea Street to the Adams Shore Branch Library at the corner of Palmer Street and turn for home.
As an added benefit, this year, a celebration of the 5-Year Anniversary of the New Quincy YMCA will take place after the race from 10am–2pm. Runners and the public are invited to join the South Shore YMCA to commemorate 5 years in their vibrant new building. This fun, family-friendly event will include food, activities, games, an indoor fun-run for kids, and more. Best of all, the celebration is free and open to the public!
For Healy, the part he most looks forward to about the day is how both events will help to bring the community closer together. “Our community helps to make us who we are,” he said. “Through their race entry fee, our 5K runners can feel good knowing that they’re supporting our Annual Campaign while getting fit, and that afterward, everyone will be welcomed back inside to warm up and celebrate with us.”
Visit ssymca.org to learn more about the free 5-year celebration, and how to register for the South Shore YMCA’s Frozen 5K race!
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About the South Shore YMCA
The South Shore YMCA is a not-for-profit association of individuals dedicated to improving the quality of life for all through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. Serving the communities of Quincy, Randolph, Holbrook, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover and beyond, the South Shore Y provides the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive through its services and programs. Financial Assistance is a Y community benefit available to all families in need, applicable to all Y programs and services. To learn more about the South Shore YMCA, visit www.ssymca.org. The South Shore YMCA. The Better You Belongs Here.