Corrib Classic Winner: 'That was for Krystle'

Joey Mullen, a 16-year-old inspiring runner, who picked up the sport due to arthritis, credited "training" for winning the 20th annual Corrib Classic 5K Road Race in West Roxbury on Sunday. While the first woman to cross the finish line, credited someone much bigger than any race.

"That was for Krystle," said Amy Reyes, of Norwood, about Boston Marathon victim Krystle Campbell. "I was at the finish line with her."

Reyes quickly disappeared into the crowd to get water.

Staying on LaGrange Street, West Roxbury's Mullen, a student at Roxbury Latin, was congratulated by second-place finisher Benjamin Ndaya, 37, of Lowell. Ndaya said Mullen's victory would be good for the community to cheer on a local track star. 

"I was real close last year," said Mullen, with a winning time of 16:42 according to race officials, finished third in 2012. "I train a lot... I have arthritis in my knees, so I had to give up baseball (and pick up running)."

Ndaya headed for the shade of Billings Field, as runners and residents made their way to the beer or beer/burger lines.

The 89-degree day did not deter folks young and old from making their way out to one of the most jovial West Roxbury community days. As expected political candidates greeted crowds with handshakes and supporters holding signs.

A large contingency of St. Theresa's School students and parents ran in maroon t-shirts. "It was fun," said Cormac Mullen, 10, of Roslindale, with his friend, Sal Malone, who said the 5K was his longest run ever, and that he sprinted at the end.

Before the race started the Corrib Charitable Trust honored Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, Watertown Police Department Chief Ed Deveau, and Boston Marathon bombing survivors and brothers Paul and J.P. Norden. All of Boston's first responders were also honored.

Biodegradable blue and yellow "Boston Strong" balloons were let go after a moment of silence for all of the victims before the race began. 

Boston Bruins singer Rene Rancourt led a rousing National Anthem with runners and residents singing.

And then - the starters' pistol sounded - and they were off!