By Susan Manning

Staff writer

Runners are preparing to get chilly at the third annual Frosty 5K on Dec. 8.

The fundraising race supports the Natick High School Cross Country and Track and Field Boosters Club.

Race committee member Brinley . Vickers said the funds raised are very important.

“The Frosty 5K is the main fundraiser for the Natick High School XC/TF Boosters club. We are one of the largest, if not the largest, boosters club, supporting over 500 student athletes, both men and women’s teams, JV and varsity, over three seasons – fall cross country, winter indoor track and field, and spring outdoor track and field.

“Supporting this many students is a big job. We run this race so we can help buy new and better equipment (just helped get more indoor track mats and a new team tent), provide senior scholarships, season banquets and athlete awards, needs-based help, supplemental coaches training, quest speakers series (athlete nutrition needs, healthy living, race mental health and psychology)… and more,” she said.

The route, which is a USATF certified 5K, starts in front of Natick High School and winds around and up to Pond Street, then around the neighborhood behind the high school, finishing at the same place it starts, in front of the high school.

So why support this athletic team? Vickers said there are plenty of reasons.

• there are no try outs and no cuts, any HS student can participate.

• teaches athletes how to work together as a team as well as thrive on an individual level – teaches team and individual work ethic at the same time

• so many different sports under one roof - long distance running, sprinting, hurdles, high jump, triple jump, long jump, pole vault, relays, shot put, javelin

•  gives so many students an opportunity to be athletes all year, instead of just one season, and with an opportunity to do more than one event.

• lots of opportunity for the varsity athletes to mentor the JV athletes, because they all practice on the same track at the same time

All the work that is put into these teams, pays off.

NHS has state record holders in pole vault and many athletes who make it to post season every year, to Conference, Divisionals, State, and Regional. The Cross Country team just came back from Nike Cross Regionals in NY where they placed 10th overall, out of all the teams that went from 7 states—the highest in history of the school. They were 2nd in Divisionals and 5th in All States.

“This is a team that really works hard,” said Vickers.

In addition to being very thankful for the local business sponsors, Vickers said they also enjoy their partnership with Spark Kindness.

“They are awesome, and it just makes sense to partner with an organization that brings free programing with a focus on supporting mental wellness, resilience, and connection,” she said.

The race, which drew nearly 600 runners last year, should exceeded that this year. Those participating came from all over the state as well as a few out of state.

“It’s a fun event that brings the whole community together. Families run together, friends run together, kids get a chance for community service hours by helping, people dress up. And, who doesn’t want to run outside in December in New England?” She said. 

The race begins at 9 AM. Those who gather early to either run or cheer on the runners, can enjoy the hot chocolate and other snacks at the start of the race.  

Vickers said, “We are always happy to have people line the race course to cheer the runners on!”

“We really see this as a fun community event, as much as it supports our student athletes, it just really is fun, bringing lots of people together,” she said.

For more information and to register, visit: https://natickxcandtrack.org/frosty-5k/ Or https://www.racewir