Annual Canton Road Race draws record turnout

Members of the Thirsty Irish Running Club enjoy a post-race drink.

On a picturesque fall day against the backdrop of Great Blue Hill, 700 runners and walkers came together at Trillium Brewing Co. last weekend to compete in the 21st annual Canton Road Race, presented by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.

Organized by the Canton Association of Business and Industry (CABI), the popular running event kicked off with a kids’ fun run, followed by the two main races (5K and 10K), which started and finished at Trillium headquarters. Afterwards, participants were invited to stay for a post-race party, and awards were presented to the top three male and female finishers in each age group.

After reaching the maximum capacity of 500 participants at last year’s race, Trillium applied for a permit to expand registration to 700 this year and it still sold out two weeks in advance, resulting in another record turnout. CABI President Ty Conder said the popularity of the event is a credit to the organizers and volunteers who promote a family-friendly atmosphere with a focus on health and wellness and civic engagement. The move to Trillium has also been well received, drawing runners from across eastern Massachusetts and beyond.

Under the leadership of CABI’s Charitable Foundation, the Canton Road Race has become one of the most successful annual fundraisers supporting local organizations, generating more than $350,000 since its inception for groups such as the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children, Canton Public Library, Canton Food Pantry, and Canton Police and Fire departments. Proceeds also fund scholarships for students at Canton High School and Blue Hills Regional Technical School.

In this year’s 5k race, high school runner Cal O’Donnell of Falmouth was the overall winner with a time of 17:20, while Sabrinna Gallucci of Billerica, who works for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, was the top female finisher and placed third overall in 19:16. Whitney Hall of West Warwick, Rhode Island was the 10k winner with a time of 37:13, and Norwood’s Christen Cadigan was the first woman to cross the finish line in 44:29. In the fun run, top honors went to 5-year-old Sebastian Bobillier of Canton. A full list of race times and results are posted at racewire.com.

In addition to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, this year’s race sponsors included Boston Mutual Life Insurance, Computershare, Bank of Canton, Trillium, Fagron Sterile Services, Gray, Gray & Gray, Wegmans, Redball Promotions, Hilton Garden Inn, Canton Citizen, HarborOne Bank, Judge Rotenberg Education Center, Roche Bros., Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office, and Flik Hospitality Group.

5K Top Overall Finishers