Walk, run, or bike: Community members remembered and celebrated

Saturday, June 3, will be a day of remembering and celebrating the lives of two residents who gave back to the Harvard community: Jessie Peterson and Ken Harrod. The eighth annual Have a Jessie Day 5K run-walk begins at the Bromfield School at 9 a.m., and the eighth annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race begins on Fairbank Street near the old library with two waves of cyclists, the first at 8 a.m. and the second at 10:35 a.m. Both events will be held rain or shine.

Most profits go to charity. All proceeds from the Have a Jessie Day 5K will benefit the Jessica Peterson Scholarship Fund. And money raised from the Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race will support the Harvard Firefighters Scholarship Fund, the Harvard Firefighters Benevolence Fund, the Harvard Firefighters Equipment Fund, the SAFE (Student Awareness of Fire Education) Program, the Harvard Firefighters Family Crisis Fund, and sponsorship of Harvard youth sports.

Have a Jessie Day 5K

The Have a Jessie Day 5K race celebrates the life of Jessie Peterson, a much-loved member of Bromfield’s Class of 2012. The Bromfield freshman died accidently in 2009. The race is a tribute to her athleticism, her artistry, her love for her family and friends, and her enthusiasm for life.

“It’s a really important tradition,” said friend and classmate Erin Molinaro in a phone interview. “She was an awesome, awesome person, and her whole thing was to ‘be happyful!’ That’s just the spirit we carry forward.”

Molinaro, a 2016 graduate of Arizona State University, has helped coordinate the race from the beginning. She and Bromfield’s dean of students and math teacher Julie Horton have been the primary organizers this year, helped by a team of students at Bromfield. On the day of the race, Molinaro is expecting others from the Class of 2012 cheering, volunteering, and running.

This year, similar to last, approximately 20 Hildreth Elementary School students on team Run Like a Girl will race.

Last year, there were about 150 runners, including Principal Scott Hoffman. “It’s a wonderful race,” said Hoffman, who will be out of town and expressed disappointment in not being able to run this year.

“Yes, it’s a run-walk, but it’s so much more,” said Molinaro, referring to community spirit. “The whole point is to get people together, play music, and hang out,” she said.

Noncash prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female winners. Race day registration is available beginning at 7:30 a.m. For more information visit www.HaveaJessieDay.com.

Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race

Seven years ago, Harvard firefighters organized their first Ken Harrod Memorial Bike Ride and Race in honor of Ken Harrod’s 45 years of service in the Fire Department. Harrod, who died suddenly in 2010, loved bike riding and had a vision of Harvard sponsoring a high-caliber cycling race. “He always thought it would be a great way to rally the community,” said Harvard Fire Department Lt. Bill Barton, president of the Firefighters Association. “Kenny was about unity and giving back to the town.”

This year’s eighth annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race is Harrod’s vision embodied. Cyclists from all over New England come to race over the hills of Harvard into Littleton and back again, looping up to seven times over the 10-mile racing course. More than 400 professional cyclists and serious amateurs are expected to raise the stakes of competition and the speed, perhaps up to 50 miles per hour, as they race up and speed down Oak Hill.

In 2014, the Firefighters Association partnered with the Minuteman Road Club, a group that is sanctioned by USA Cycling, the national governing body for bicycle racing. Competitors are either professionals or are ranked as amateurs in one of five categories, with category 1 being the highest. New this year is the women’s category 5 for novice female racers. Medals and cash prizes will be awarded to the top finalists in ceremonies following the race.

The race could not run without the Harvard Fire Department’s support. Twenty firefighters will be at major intersections to protect cyclists and keep the public safe. A lead car, a chase car, and a motorcycle will patrol the course. Referees and a judge will be on hand if needed. Registration will be at the Hildreth Elementary School starting at 6:45 a.m. For information visit www.bikereg.com/ken-harrod-memorial-road-race.

Clang a cowbell, give a cheer

For racers and for fans clanging a cowbell or giving a cheer, Saturday looks to be exciting for cyclists, runners, walkers, and spectators. Not only is there the beauty of being outdoors enjoying Harvard’s scenic roadways, but there’s also the after-race beer fest open to the public at the downtown beer garden—on the Common in front of the old library—featuring products of race sponsor Wachusett Brewing Company.