To the editor:
Five hundred runners braved below-freezing temperatures in Salem to participate in the 13th Annual Festivus 5K for Autism on Sunday, Dec. 15. The event, hosted by Finz Seafood & Grill, raised a record-breaking $33,000 for the Northshore Education Consortium (NEC), one of the largest providers of special education services on the North Shore.
Dylan Flewelling, 21, of Oakland, Maine, was the men’s overall winner with a time of 16:33. Shannon O’Connell, 23, of Peabody, was the women’s overall winner with a time of 19:09. Notch Brewing Run Club was the winner of the team award with runners Kyle Taylor, Colin Smith, Richard Denton, Alyssa Arre, and Patrick Hogan.
Many staff, students, and friends of the Consortium were there running, walking, volunteering, and cheering folks on. NEC students participated by baking their famous muffin tops, creating Festivus pole trophies, screen printing race shirts, and printing marketing materials.
Runners, volunteers, and sponsors celebrated after the race with a Festivus-themed party at Finz. Race organizers presented awards for best costumes, winning runners, and top Festivus grievances.
This year’s major sponsors include: Crowley Cares, Institution for Savings, JHR Development, Rockland Trust, Mass General Brigham/Salem Hospital, It Starts with Me!, Salem Five Charitable Foundation, and Santo Electric.
Special thanks to the Salem police who did a great job controlling traffic and keeping runners safe during the race. And thank you to the many Salem residents along the route who cheered our runners on!
Rick and Cindy Johnson,
Race Directors,
Festivus 5K for Autism,
Salem