Wellesley Wonderful Weekend kicked off with a burst of energy this past Sunday as 200 of the most spirited runners in town gathered at Wellesley High School track for the 12th annual Wonder Run 5K and Kids Fun Run. Warm temperatures and clear blue skies suggested that spring has finally shown up in Wellesley.

The morning belonged to 15-year-old Grant Wheelan, a freshman at Milton Academy, who won the 5K with an impressive official time of 17:50. Despite his dominant performance, Wheelan noted the USATF-certified course presented its own set of challenges.

“I didn’t really know the course, so some of the hills caught me by surprise,” Wheelan said after crossing the finish line. The scenic but hilly route wound through the Wellesley Country Club neighborhood, testing the fortitude of seasoned runners and casual joggers alike.

Wellesley Hills Junior Women's Club Wonder Run — Wonder Run winner Grant Wheelan rounds Clifford Rd. corner on his way to the finish line. Grant’s time for the 5k race was 17:50.

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Fun for the youngest athletes

While the 5K runners tackled the hills, the younger members of the community had a blast on the track. The youth events kicked off with a high-energy 1-lap race for children aged 6 and under. They were followed by the 7-to-10-year-old category, who completed two laps around the high school track to the cheers of families and friends.

Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club (WHJWC) members—they were the ones wearing the green aprons—made sure to keep the “fun” in the Fun Run, ensuring that even the youngest participants left with a sense of achievement and a big smile.

Why run? Be-CAUSE

As one of three major fundraisers organized annually by the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club (WHJWC), the proceeds from the event are funneled directly back into the community.

The funds generated support:

Scholarships for deserving local students.
Grants for organizations providing essential education and enrichment services.
Support for community groups that address local needs and fill service gaps.

WHJWC which has been active since 1944, has a long history of running events like the Wonder Run to foster community spirit while raising funds for worthy organizations. Learn more about the WHJWC here.