PHOTOS: Wilmington’s 11th Annual Half Marathon & 5K A Huge Success!

WILMINGTON, MA — The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce held Wilmington’s 11th Annual Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, September 27.

The event was a huge success, according to Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Director Nancy Vallee, noting that more than 500 runners and walkers participated.

“Logistically, everything went great!,” said Vallee.  “The runners loved the courses. And we had great participation from the Wilmington community, including a large contingent from the town’s Sole Sisters Running Club.”

In the Half Marathon, Francis Cusick of Lexington (1:14:41) placed first, followed by Carl Hartford of Wilmington (1:16:54) and James Sullivan of Medfield (1:17:10).  Ildiko Gaal of Somerville (1:23:34) was the first female to finish, followed by Beth Dollas of Amesbury (1:26:28) and Alexandra Morss of Brookline (1:27:39). See the full results HERE.

In the 5K, Brian Schell of Wilmington (16:45) placed first, followed by Benjamin Ndaya of Lowell (17:09) and Christopher Maienza of Wilmington (17:25). Biliana Mihaylova of Ayer (19:50) was the first female to finish, followed by Trish Bourne of Tewksbury (20:00) and Serra Langone of Burlington (21:34). See the results HERE.

More than 50 businesses generously sponsored this popular community event.  (See the complete list HERE.) Many of these businesses were on hand for the pre-race and post-race festivities, as captured in the photos below.

The funds raised from the event will support three main initiatives, according to Vallee.

#1) The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce will continue its tradition of awarding scholarships to Wilmington graduating seniors. Scholarships will be in partnership with the race’s premier sponsors: Security Innovation, Warner Babcock Institute, and Colonial Fireplace. The Chamber will also continue its annual Team Kelli Scholarship.

#2) The Chamber will sponsor the Wilmington Police Department’s National Night Out next August.

“We are so grateful for the support we have received over the years from the Wilmington Police Department and their efforts to ensure a safe race that we wanted to give back to them,” said Vallee.

3.) The Chamber will provide its businesses with new “Buy Local” doormats. Look for them around town beginning in early November.

“Buying local is a spending behavior we encourage,” said Vallee.  “That’s what we are all about.”

Below are some additional photos taken right before the starts of the 5K and Half Marathon.

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