by Marna Persechini

On Saturday morning, October 29, Roslindale looked as though it had been invaded by all sorts of strange beings. Everywhere in the Village, there were devils, witches, ghosts, and goblins, Dorothy and Toto, Peter Pan, Wonder Woman, Lance Armstrong, complete with bicycle, Elvis, Tigger, little dragons, lions, bees, ladybugs, dogs with butterfly wings, and parents in costumes with costumed babies in carriages.

No, it wasn’t an alien invasion from some distant planet; it was the eighth annual Trick or Treat Trot 5K Race sponsored by The Cooperative Bank in Roslindale, organized and directed by the Roslindale Village Main Street ( “RVMS “) Promotions Committee, consisting of Nancy Chausse, Tom Donahue, Mary Ellen Gambon, and Beverly Peters, ably assisted by Janice Williams, RVMS Executive Director, and Stephanie Carver, race director.

The race course is 5 kilometers or 3.1 miles in an urban setting, consisting of varied terrains, including a hilly section of the Arboretum. Runners and walkers of all ages and genders are welcome, and Halloween costumes are encouraged.

This year’s entrants began the process by signing in at tables manned by volunteers posted inside the Emerald Society. There they received their numbers and were presented with tee shirts and treat bags stuffed with items donated by merchants or civic organizations and prepared by Cathy Slade and the Rossie Reps.

After being greeted by Mayor Tom Menino, the runners lined up in the Taft Hill Parking Lot where they anxiously waited for the Mayor to signal the start of the race. Promptly at 10:00 a.m., 175 runners and walkers took off, following South Street, to Belgrade Ave., onto Roberts, turning onto Walter Street and into the Arboretum, up Weld Hill, and then back over the same course in reverse, ending at the clock located in Savage Mini Park in Roslindale Village. Bay State Race Services was waiting there to record the incoming runners’ race times. Charlie McCarthy, RVMS president, handled the emcee duties and announced each runner by name, upon reaching the finish line.

Overall male winners were Tim Gavin of West Roxbury who finished the course in 18:00 minutes and Stephen Stowe of Boston, finishing at 18:26. Overall female winners were Kerry Hennessey of Roslindale at 21:37 and Nixie Raymond at 23:18. The age group results are as follows: Male Group age 14 and under – Kyle Olson at 23.10; Age 15 to 19 – Ryan Murray at 23:44; Age 20 to 29 – Paul Christophersen at 23:03; Age 30 to 39 – John Lohan at 19:32; Age 40 to 49 – Jim Sullivan at 19:39; Age 50 to 59 – Jim Terry at 24:01; Age 60 and over – James Sokolove at 42:03. Female age 14 and under – Molly McLaughlin at 23:46; Age 20 to 29 Nicole Verne at 24:35; Age group 30 to 39 – Trishe Kelleher at 26:17; Age 40 to 49 – Jennifer Treseler at 24:21; Age 50 to 59 – Linda Ozier at 29:13; Age 60 and over – Pamela Morrone at 37:34. Best costume went to Tracy Wekstein of Roslindale who wore an outfit with a doll figure on the front that made it appear as if she were running with another person in costume on her back.

Prizes for each category were awarded at the after-race brunch, sponsored by Roslindale’s own Gourmet Caterers, at the Emerald Society. Runners, volunteers and watchers were all invited to participate and enjoy the awards ceremony and the great food.

As usual a very large number of volunteers from the community was on hand to help manage all the before and after details of the event. Tom Donahue, volunteer coordinator, performed his usual outstanding job of recruiting volunteers to help with sign-up, directing traffic (both runners and cars along the route) and all the other necessary tasks that needed to be accomplished in order to run a perfect event.

Luke Moran, Manager of The Cooperative Bank (sponsor of the race) and volunteer said, “This is such a wonderful event, we look forward to it every year. Many of the Bank’s employees are here as volunteers and some of them are running in the race itself.” He added, “It is a great community and family event where everyone can participate.”

The Caseys, Paul and Susan, along with daughter Hannah, were on hand, having volunteered to help with this year’s race. Last year they participated in the race itself, and Hannah won a prize for her ladybug costume. According to Paul and Susan, “This is a wonderful and unique neighborhood event that we thoroughly enjoy. It brings the community together and we wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

In spite of the cold and damp weather and a few occasional snowflakes that started to fall in earnest by the end of the race, everyone involved deemed the annual event, which is a major fundraiser for Roslindale Village Main Street, a tremendous success.

Janice Williams sent a special thank-you to all the volunteers and donors, including Boston Police Department, Boston Parks Department, Arnold Arboretum, Gourmet Caterers, and the Emerald Society. She stated, “Events like this could not take place without the hard work and volunteer service of lots of people.”

Additional sponsors of the race were Citizens Bank, Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center, Vinny Marino, Sullivan’s Pharmacy, J.B. Edward Uniforms, Bank of America, Dunkin’ Donuts, Sebastian’s Hair Salon, Krupa Insurance, Roslindale Board of Trade, Centre Cuts Salon and Day Spa, Wallpaper City, Higgins Funeral Home and LaRosa Real Estate. In-kind donors were Village Books, Atlas Hardware, Zia, Wapo Taco, Doyle’s Café, Blue Star Restaurant, Fornax Bread Bakery, Delfino Restaurant, Dogwood Café, Gusto Restaurant, Gadgets, Pet Cabaret, Ferris Wheels, Village Sushi, Corrib Pub, Loco Shoes, and New England Runner.

All those involved are looking forward to next year and the 9th annual Trick or Treat Trot. ADD TROT2.JPG