Mystic Runners Race at 1 pm, Benefits Parade

The Mystic Runners, a group for those living and working in Boston and the Metro North area, prides themselves in the fact that this weekly race has not missed a Wednesday night in over two years.  Usually they meet at the Lord Wakefield Hotel parking lot in the early evening and run around Lake Quannapowitt.  Since the next Wednesday will be the Fourth of July, and at least half of their route will become impassable due to Parade spectators or Parade participants, they have decided, after consultation with the Wakefield Independence Day Committee, to move their start time to 1:00 pm.  “As always, we will stress safety first” says Rich Fortuna, spokesman for the club.  The distance is a 5K, with its start and finish near the Lord Wakefield Hotel, and the course is quite accurately described as scenic and flat, so it's an easy one for lesser experienced runners trying to increase their distance endurance. 
 
Not only are they continuing their running tradition, however, they have decided to direct their first race of the month charitable collection to the town's Fourth of July Parade.  This once a month collection has in past months benefitted the Mission of Deeds (Reading), the Food Pantry, Friends of the Fells and other local non-profit organizations.  The Mystic Runners, says Rich Fortuna, their current president, is very excited to make the donation in support of the Parade.  The entrance fee (donation) is just $2.  Cindy Schatz, Business Appeals chair for the Wakefield Independence Day Committee, said she was very happy to hear that the running club thought of the Parade as their target charity.  “We are always saying that every donation makes a difference, and this is just one more example of how that can happen.  We wish them a safe and fun race on the Fourth of July, and hope that many folks come out to join them.”
 
Find out more about the Mystic Runners by visiting their website at www.mysticrunners.com.  Find out more about the Parade or donate to it by going to its website at www.julyparade.org.