Runners brave heat, humidity in July 4th Road Race

Runners prepare for the start of the 51st annual Canton July 4th Road Race. (Mike Berger photo)

More than 100 runners from all over greater Boston braved the heat and humidity to compete in the 51st annual Canton July 4th Road Race held last Wednesday at the Canton Town Club.

Seventy-one runners participated in the five-mile race and 30 children took part in the Fun Run, which was shortened this year from 1.8 to 1.5 miles along Bailey Street. In fact, race organizer Joe DeFelice, who has started all 51 July 4th road races, said he and the Playground and Recreation Commission will consider shortening the five-mile race next year to a 5K (3.1 miles) because of the hilly nature of the course and the high temperatures that are common for a race in early July.

Last year’s race attracted 117 runners and conditions were a bit more comfortable as the temperature was 75 degrees at the starting line. This year, the temperature stood at 82 degrees at the start and climbed to 91 degrees by 10:45 a.m.

Milton’s Kieran Condon was the overall race winner as he crossed the finish line at 30:05. Three-time race champion and course record holder Louis Raffetto did not compete this year but was in attendance cheering for his family members, including daughter Lauren, who finished a close second in the Fun Run behind Canton’s Declan Monahan.

Canton’s Colin Messinger, a 2018 CHS graduate and a Canton Citizen outdoor track all-star, finished second overall in the five-mile race (30:58), and Susan Thompson, also of Canton, repeated as the first woman finisher, placing 10th with a time of 37:30.

Other top finishers from Canton included Adam Freedman (7th), Scott Kosack (8th), and 2018 CHS graduate Thomas Cahill (11th).

A special award was given out to the oldest race contestant, Ali Abbas, 79, of Stoughton. In all, 52 trophies were presented to the top male and female finishers in each age group by Richie Eckler of the Playground and Recreation Commission. Also assisting with the awards presentation was Selectman and former Recreation Commissioner Tom Theodore.

In addition to the Recreation Commission volunteers, there was a large contingent of Canton police officers present led by Lt. Patty Sherrill, and Parks and Recreation Director Liz Francis traveled the course on a bicycle.

Sponsors of this year’s race included Attorney Glen Hannington, Representative Bill Galvin, the Canton Town Club, Attorney Dick Staiti, Bank of Canton, Canton Co-operative Bank, PADCO Countertop Company, and all five selectmen: Kevin Feeney, Mark Porter, John Connolly, Chris Connolly, and Tom Theodore.

Top 10 overall