LYNN — The 53rd edition of the ever-so-popular Lynn Woods 10-Mile Relay was held in “perfect running weather,” according to one of its organizers, Joe Abelon.
Seventy-six teams competed with each consisting of four runners, who each ran a leg of 2.5 miles. The course consists of approximately 90 percent of the first formal racecourse in the Woods, circa 1967.
Over half of the nearly 300 runners came from four North Shore running clubs. The Wicked Running Club of Salem led the way with a roster of 60, followed by Notch Brewing Run Club, also of Salem, with 52 runners. The North Shore Striders had 40, while the Mystic Runners of Wakefield brought 24.
There were 14 divisions. The first five teams from the Men’s Open (any age), Women’s Open (any age), and Co-Ed (any age) received awards. In all other divisions, the top three teams received awards.
All members of top-scoring teams in each division received medals. Also, each member of the first team in each division received treasured “The Woods” jackets. Better yet, the winning team in each division received a wooden plaque, designed and built by Pam and Malcolm Wilson.
The fastest women’s split came from Kylynn McKinley of Notch Kolsch Queens in the opening leg, running an impressive 15:14 on the challenging course. She is a former track and cross country coach from Marblehead High School.
Team division winners were Notch Kolsch Bois (56:55, Men’s Open), Notched Aged Ales (58:33, Masters Men 40-49), Wicked Old Fashion (Seniors Men 50-59), Wicked Aging As We Run (1:24:24, Veteran Men 60-69), NSS Still Trucking (1:33:37, Super Veteran Men 70+), Notch Kolsch Queens (1:08:02, Women’s Open), The Hustlin’ Honeys (1:23:37, Masters Women 40-49), Wicked Senior Ballers (Senior Women 50-59), GlRR Seasoned Chicks (1:26:00, Veteran Women 60-69), Scrambled Legs (2:08:15, Super Veteran Women 70+), Lynn Classical (1:19:30, Boy’s High School), Labradoodles (1:14:07, Girl’s High School), The Big Tanners (1:13:17, Junior-Grade 8 and below), and NSS Glory Blazers (1:10:16, Co-Ed).
Full results: www.lwrun.org