Somerville runs for its health

On May 5, 2010, in Latest News, by The News Staff

By Andrew
Firestone

Sunny skies and warm weather greeted runners Saturday at Somerville High
School for the Second Annual Shape Up Somerville road race, part of Mayor Joseph
A. Curtatone's Fitness Challenge. Sixty-six walkers and runners made their way
through the 2.6 mile course. Al Gehant of Somerville finished first with a time
of 17:03.

The event included a children's race and an adult's race.
Curtatone ran the race as well, the first since his appearance in the Boston
Marathon in 2008, and ran 26:03 despite starting late. "I did a lot of praying,"
he said regarding his preparation. "A lot of stretching."

The half-mile
children's race was won by Hayden Latimer-Ireland who barely beat out her
brother, Conor. "We were getting a bit tired sort of near the end," said Hayden.
"After drinking some water, we felt much better," said Conor, with Hayden adding
they could run it again.

Many who participated fully supported Mayor
Curtatone's message for fitness being important to the community. "It's a good
message to everyone how important your health is for your everyday life," said
Dave Morrow. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

The
course for the race brought the runners down Highland Avenue and on to Medford
Street, ending with a grueling uphill trek. "I just want to know who designed
the course like that," said Sharon Morrow, who won the Women's division with a
time of 21:14.

The race proved slightly easier for Board of Alderman
President Jack Connelly, who said he knew the race with ease. "I'm very familiar
with the route," said Connelly who ran 24:30. "I don't think anyone under 30
passed me after the first mile."