Norwood Teens Compete in Seventh Annual Tiot Relay Race-July 13, 1981

On Saturday, July 11, 1981, Norwood hosted the seventh annual Tiot Relay Race, a community-focused athletic event held at Endean Park that drew record participation.

The race, which organizers emphasized was intended to remain an “intimate” and friendly competition for local residents, featured 16 adult teams and seven teams in a newly established junior division. Unlike events driven by grand prizes, the primary goal of the Tiot Relay was to foster camaraderie and support youth recreational activities in Norwood. This year, event organizers Dorothy Pember and her committee raised funds through food sales and the distribution of T-shirts proclaiming “Tiot Relay – 1981,” with proceeds designated for local youth programs like the Civic Center.

The competition followed a grueling, multi-stage course that tested the versatility of each four-person team. The race commenced at 9:45 a.m. in the waters of the Neponset River near the Sunoco station. After navigating the canoe leg to the Route 128 railroad station, the second teammates transitioned to a bicycle sprint across town toward St. Timothy’s Church. From there, the third team members began a road race to Junior High South. The final event, a test of coordination and spirit, was the three-legged race held on the track at Endean Park. The adult division victory was secured by the team of Tom Smelston, Mike Scanlon, Tom Murphy, and Jim Murphy, while the junior title was claimed by the quartet of John Goode, Dave Jackson, Chuck Venditti, and Don Lodge. Following the exhaustion of the race, participants and spectators gathered for a celebration featuring grills and refreshments, a tradition that underscored the event’s role in strengthening local social bonds.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger