Festivus 5k Raises $12K for Autism

Nearly 400 runners toed the line in Salem on Sunday to run the Festivus 5k for Autism.

The race raised $12,000 in donations for the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. The foundation helps those with autism receive care, lead active lifestyles and become more independent.

Race participant Matthew Christensen started the team Mac’s Buddies in his son’s name. His son, Mac Christensen, was diagnosed with autism in 2012.

Mac’s Buddies has participated in the Festivus 5k for three years and had the biggest team turnout to date on Sunday. Mac’s Buddies came in first place overall for the team bracket.

“One of the team members came in first place overall for women and several team members placed in their age brackets,” Christensen said.

The gun went off at 10 a.m. at Hodges Court and Derby Street and race participants crossed the finish line on Wharf Street 3.1 miles later.

The overall male and female winners were awarded a Festivus pole trophy and had their names put on the official F5K Festivus pole.

“Cynthia and Rick Johnson from Salem do such a good job organizing this race,” Christensen said.

The top finisher was Steve Gendron of Lowell in a time of 16:45 and the top female finisher was Kathryn Cooper of Marblehead in a time of 19:04.

Check out the Festivus 5k 2014 race results.

Photo Credit: Matthew Christensen

Photos of the team Mac’s Buddies and Mac Christensen holding his team’s trophy.