Saturday, May 2^nd welcomed beautiful weather and a great turnout for the Third Annual NECC Campus Classic 5K and Fun Run. Nearly 200 runners, representing a wide variety of organizations and communities, participated in this year’s race.

Finishing first overall was Brian O’Neil of Andover with a time of 18:49, followed closely by Connor Hayden of Bradford and Ryan Norman of Newton, New Hampshire. Former student Kacey Hill, 24, of Groveland was the top female finisher with a time of 21:29. Katie Walsh of Salem and Kirsten Kortz of Somerville finished second and third respectively.

For the second year in a row, NECC professor Michael Pelletier of Salem, MA took first place in the 70 + age category.  Eight-year old Jake Libucha of Haverhill, a first-time participant and the youngest this year, finished first among those 14 and under.

 Included in the diverse group of 2015 participants was the new NECC Police Academy, which registered 32 of its recruits to participate in the race. The group crossed the finish line together at the half hour mark carrying academy flags.  Among walker groups were approximately 20 patients from the Holy Family Weight Management Clinic.

 A list of complete results is available at coolrunning.com.

 The Campus Classic 5K & Fun is an annual college fundraising event held each spring along the Haverhill campus’ USATF certified course. People of all ages and competitive levels, including novices and walkers, are encouraged to take part in this growing campus tradition. Proceeds benefit the NECC Annual Fund for student scholarships and academic programs.

Special thanks is owed to Covanta Energy Corporation, the Campus Classic’s Platinum Sponsor for the second consecutive year.

 For more information on the Campus Classic 5K & Fun Run, please contact Lindsey Mayo at lmayo@necc.mass.edu or at 978-556-3621.

Visit the NECC Facebook Page to view photos and highlights from the race.