Published: 4/10/2022 4:41:20 PM
Modified: 4/10/2022 4:40:09 PM
ATHOL — The buzz on the streets of Athol in anticipation of River Rat Race festivities continued to grow Saturday morning despite the darkening clouds lingering in the air.
The positive energy could be felt among the hundreds of people lining Main Street as Athol and Orange brought back the annual tradition after two years off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s great to see people out and get back to some normalcy,” said Athol resident Brenda Harris, who has attended “many” River Rat Races. “I’m glad it’s back.”
This year, classic events like the Big Cheese 5K, the River Rat Promenade and the River Rat pancake breakfast were supposed to be joined by a family-friendly “sober block party” sponsored by the North Quabbin Community Coalition, but heavy periods of rain throughout the day canceled the event.
Rainy 5K and parade Drops of rain held off most of the morning and the Big Cheese 5K got off to a dry start, but the skies opened wide as soon as vehicles began rolling down Main Street soon after 9:30 a.m. for the parade.
In the 5K, runners were given an early boost by the support from crowds of people lining the street. As soon as the last of the runners turned the corner on the course, the parade — and the drenching rain — began in earnest.
Some held umbrellas and some accepted the fact that they were going to get soaked, but there were smiles all around as the beloved tradition returned.
“She wanted to see the parade, so we’re here,” said Templeton resident Kelsey Rayner, who was holding a toddler in her arms. Rayner said she went to many River Rat Races growing up and she was most excited for the race itself. She added it felt like there was a void without the event over the past two years.
Jacob Hull, a Winchendon resident attending his first River Rat Race, said his friend had invited him to come out and enjoy the festivities.
Aside from a suggestion to “have a beer cart,” Hull said the event was enjoyable and he was surprised to see so many people show up with rain in the forecast.
“A lot of people turned out,” he said, “even in the rain.”
As the parade was proceeding, the 5K was still underway and new Athol resident Jessie Cardin blazed her way to a first-place finish in 16 minutes, 53 seconds.
“It was pretty good, especially because the course was so hilly and the rain,” Cardin said of her time just after crossing the finish line. “I’m really happy.”
Cardin, who noted she moved to Athol from Sutton five months ago with her boyfriend, said it was her first Big Cheese 5K and it was a great way to get involved in her new town.
“I really, really love local 5Ks,” Cardin said. “The people of Athol have been super supportive.”
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.