Appreciation for a successful Martinez Classic

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone in the Acton community who helped make last weekend’s Adrian Martinez Classic such a success. We had a record number of community entrants this year, and we witnessed meet records in two different events on the track. We also raised over $20,000 to support the Adrian Martinez Scholarship and the Acton-Carlisle High School track and field programs.

Although I am the meet director, I contribute a relatively small part of the collective effort that goes into putting on the meet. At the risk of leaving some significant names off the list, I would like to extend special thanks to Acton Public Works, which helped prepare Emerson for the onslaught of runners and spectators; to Mimi Graney in the Town Manager’s office, who was incredibly helpful in navigating the permitting process (and who answered innumerable questions); to DJ Fimiani and the rest of the Acton Recreation Staff, for working with us every step of the way to be able to host the meet in their flagship venue; to the folks at the Acton Municipal Light Plant, who went above and beyond to ensure we had the power we needed for the event; to Acton Police Department, for keeping traffic flowing smoothly and the event secure; to the CCHS athletics staff, for their help in making the setup and breakdown of the meet possible; and to the dozens of parents and students who volunteered their time and energy and ideas.

Each year, an international field of athletes comes to Acton for the Martinez Classic. But it is, at heart, a local community event. And it fills my heart with gratitude to see the many ways in which the members of the community support it.

Stephen Lane 

Old Bedford Road