Recently Zumix, East Boston’s popular music and arts for youth program, held its first ever Run to the Beat 5K race along Piers Park and the abutting park system. The race drew over 265 runners and raised over $10,000 to support Zumix’s development programs.
Co-presented by Zumix and Massport, the first annual Run to the Beat was a great success according to Zumix Founder and Director Madeleine Steczynski.
“It was a fantastic event and we can’t wait to do it again next year,” said Steczynski. “When planning we figured it would start off small and grow but we were amazed at the turnout and support from the community.
Initiated by Zumix Board Member Arthur Bom Conselho with support from his running partners Steve Holt, Rob Pyles – and the entire Zumix Fund Raising Committee, the grassroots effort quickly mushroomed to a full blown running event.
“We were committed to hosting a 5K that reflected the spirit of ZUMIX, with live music along the route and lots of youth cheering on the runners,” said Conselho. ‘We have had extremely positive feedback from runners who are looking forward to next year’s race.”
Pyles said the race blew him away and that it was such an exciting neighborhood event but also reached out to people who wouldn’t normally come to Eastie.
“Everybody was smiling and having fun, cheering each other on,” said Pyles. “It really shows how awesome Zumix is – and how great Eastie is. I felt proud of the neighborhood. There’s no question that this race is the beginning of a long East Boston tradition.”
Pyles, who runs with Conselho and Holt, said the trio always talked about how lucky they were to get to run along the waterfront while seeing the Boston skyline and have all these great Eastie parks.
“Arthur (Conselho) and Steve (Holt) brainstormed the idea of having a race here in Eastie – as a fundraiser for Zumix,” said Pyles. Zumix Steczynski said she and Zumix members would like to thank the primary race sponsors: Massport, the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, and BNY Mellon, whose support took this event from an idea to success in less than three months.
“Zumix would also like to thank Bose, Puma, Beantown Bootcamp, D’Parma Restaurant, 303 Cafe, Scup’s, Boston Sport’s Club, Royal’s Roast Beef and Seafood, and Blue Man Group – all of whom contributed wonderful prizes and giveaways,” said Steczynski. “Lastly, ZUMIX would like to thank all the runners, volunteers and musicians who helped make this event so wonderful.”
If you are interested in helping plan next year’s Run to the Beat 5K road race, please contact Nikki Stewart at ZUMIX (617) 568-9777 or [email protected].