The Shape Up
Somerville program, originating from a Tufts University research study
that targeted Somerville elementary school students, is run in
conjunction with the Somerville Health Department and a supporting
taskforce that has been responsible for numerous community health
initiatives in the area. Nicole Rioles, the Coordinator of the Shape Up
Somerville program, states, "the goal of the Shape Up Somerville
program is to help create an affordable environment where people can
eat smart and live healthy." SUS has supported a variety of health
related community programs that include the extension of the green
line, the creation of more bike lanes, the support of the local
farmer's markets, as well as establishing safe, walkable routes to area
schools.

Shape Up Somerville has also helped make advances in
the general nutrition of school lunches in an effort to fight childhood
obesity. Sunday's event was helped out by many of the organizations and
businesses that have integrated themselves into SUS's vision of a
healthier Somerville. Whole Foods, Farmer Dave's Market, the
Massachusetts WIC Nutrition Program, and the Green Streets Initiative
were all on hand to lend their support to SUS's motto of "Eat Smart,
Move More, Live Better."

The race itself was predicated by a
half-mile 12 and under children's "fun run," which, despite a wrong
turn or two by some of the kids, began a great day at Somerville High.
The road race began at 11am and was a 2.7-mile loop that started and
ended in the Somerville High School parking lot. Participants ranged in
experience levels from daily competitive runners to people who were out
to support a good cause and enjoy some family fun. "Runners varied in
age from a 3 1/2 year old to a man in his seventies–so we had the
whole community!" said Rioles. Several parents were running while
pushing their child in a stroller including Karen Friedman from Sharon
MA. Karen, who was running a race for the first time with her son
Aaron, described the day as a "terrific, family friendly event."

The
race was won by 23-year-old Somerville resident Matt Tobey, who
finished his second competitive run ever with an impressive time of
18:24. The women's champion was Meghan Thurlow, also of Somerville, who
finished the race soon behind Matt with a time of 20:43. With every
impressive run, was an equally intriguing back-story. "A runner told me
that he ran this road race over twenty years ago," said Rioles, "and he
dropped his hand below his shoulder to show his youth and height at the
time, with a laugh." The event brought back the old tradition of the
Somerville 5k road race while incorporating the new spirit of a
consciously healthy community. "This race was a nice homecoming for the
runner who participated decades ago," said Rioles, "and it was a fun
run for new comers as well. I registered couples, friends, siblings,
co-workers, and parents with their children. It included every dynamic
duo!"

At the conclusion of the race, the event coordinators put
on a free family barbeque and a Health and Wellness Fair, which
included educational and nutritional information from the
aforementioned partners of SUS. The BBQ and the implementation of the
race were helped extensively by Somerville High's athletic department.
Program Director George Scarpelli and student-athlete volunteers helped
map out the course for runners and had food and beverages ready for all
participants. Partial proceeds of the event will go to Somerville youth
athletics and should help fund the football teams' trip to an off
campus training camp.