Race brings runners of all abilities together, raises funds for MyTeamTriumph

Jun 18, 2017

On Sunday, Mikayla Hatch and Michelle Palladino jogged across the Lazy Lobster Race finish line with their arms around one another.

Palladino, a Chemlsford resident, ran the entire race with Hatch, a young woman from Salem, New Hampshire with a disability.

“She was awesome,” said Palladino. “We only stopped once.”

Both participated in the 5th annual Lazy Lobster Race, which serves as the largest fundraiser for the Massachusetts chapter of MyTeam Triumph. The nonprofit is an athletic ride along program created to help kids, teens and veterans with disabilities participate in triathlons, road races and other endurance events.

Palladino said she met Hatch through the Lazy Lobster Race’s organizer, Mary Nogueras. Palladino noted she is a big supporter of MyTeam Triumph’s mission.

“It’s a completely different feeling when you’re with someone else and helping give them that experience of being part of a race they might not have been able to run otherwise,” said Palladino. “It’s hard to describe.”

Nogueras said Hatch was one of 14 runners with a disability participating in this year’s race. In total, 188 people ran this year’s Lazy Lobster Race.

According to Nogueras, the race raises approximately 90 percent of the funds MyTeam Triumph requires annually. The money is used to purchase and maintain wheelchair and other equipment needed for members of MyTeamTriumph.

“This helps us keep going all year long,” said Nogueras.

At the finish line, runners were greeted with medals, live music by the band Freevolt and refreshments courtesy of Red Robin and Mayflower Brewery.

For race results, click here.