A Day to Remember……

Despite uncooperative weather, “A Race to Remember” hosted by the Playground Restoration Project together with the Stone Family on Sunday, June 12 was a huge success with 400 runners and walkers from all over New England raising $15,000 for a memorial at Ginn Playground in honor of the Stone-Mortimer family. Donations for the event were made from as far away as Texas and Florida.
Reverend Thomas Brown from The Parish of the Epiphany began the dedication ceremony with a touching prayer about new beginnings. Debra Stone Sochat was visibly moved by the outpouring of support. She gracefully and tearfully thanked the community for coming out and celebrating the lives of her loved ones who will never be forgotten.

“I am touched to see the way the community has come together to support my family and to celebrate the lives of our lost loved ones,” said Debra Stone Sochat. “Ginn Playground was Charlotte and Finn’s favorite park and this would have meant so much to my sister,” continued Sochat.
Renowned opera singer Winchester resident Heather Poduska sang the national anthem while the local Girl Scouts proudly displayed the American flag. Representative Jason Lewis said a few words before running the race. Massachusetts District Attorney Martha Coakley and Channel 7’s Kim Khazei were among the runners.

The rain did not dampen the spirits of the participants or the hundreds of spectators. Winchester residents came out along the course route to cheer on the runners and walkers. The men’s winner, John Hinchion of Peabody and close friend of the Stones, completed the race with a time of 20:29 (pace: 5:42) and the women’s winner Brittany Boulanger of Winchester ran it in 23:42 (pace: 6:36).
Many local organizations formed teams to run or walk including the Neighborhood Cooperative Nursery School with more than a dozen people walking, running and navigating strollers in “Listen. Be Kind. Do Your Best.” team t shirts.
Following the 3.6 mile race, nearly 100 children participated in the “Kids Fun Run” on Ginn Field and every young athlete received a medal. The post race celebration featured Pixie Sticks from Arlington playing family friendly music as well as food, face painting and games.

The platinum sponsors for the race were LEAP School in Lexington, Patriot Energy Group in Woburn and Peterson Party Center. Silver Sponsors were Pediatricians Inc. and Shanahan Real Estate Group. Bronze Sponsors were BookEnds, Kids Footstop, Mahoney’s Garden Center, United Methodist Nursery School, and the Winchester Police Relief Association.
“This event is the culmination of years of work on behalf of the entire Winchester community to revitalize Ginn Playground. We are so pleased to be able to create a permanent memorial to the Stone family,” said Ginn project chairwoman Mary Ellen Rourke-Falvey.
The top runners in each age category follow. If you want to view your race results/placement please click on the following link to view. http://www.coolrunning.com/results/11/ma/Jun12_ARacet_set1.shtml

Overall Female: Brittany Boulanger, Winchester, time: 23:44
Male: John Hinchion, Peabody, time: 20:30

Under 19: M, Nathan Frappier, Feeding Hills 28:37 F, Cynthia Mahoney, Winchester, 34:08

20-29: M, Darren Pitzner, Wilimington 24:18 F, Ann Ferracane, Boston 32:33

30 – 39 (Overall Winners came from this category)
M (so 2nd after overall), Ryan Hayes, Woburn 21:24
F (“) Rebecca Trachsel, Winch, 24:28

40-49
M Michael Quinn, Arlington 23:05
F Kirsten Healey, Winch 27:57

50-59
M Jim Gallant, Medford 28:40
F Elizabeth Jerant, Winch 29:58

60+
M John Grant Medford 32:05
F Dot Butler