Late Swampscott resident and 40-year Rotary Club member Danny Cahill is remembered as someone who always put service over self. Nearly 100 people, mostly Swampscott residents, ran Humphrey Street Sunday morning in a 5K race to honor Cahill and raise money for both scholarships and Anchor Food Pantry.

“It’s a huge community event,” said Diane O’Brien, who has held positions with both the Rotary Club and Anchor Food Pantry. “That’s what Danny would have loved.”

O’Brien said that people enjoy getting to run a race in their hometown, on streets they have walked for years or even decades.

Runners gathered at Linscott Park before the pack sprinted down Humphrey Street. Around 20 minutes later, the leaders returned, crossing the finish line and receiving merchandise bags after doing so.

Swampscott High School track and field runner Anthony Colella took home first place, his second consecutive Cahill 5K crossing the finish line first.

Cahill, who passed away in 2023, served as the town’s electrical inspector and worked for the school district after retiring. Fellow Rotary Club members echo that Cahill was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer expertise and held the Swampscott schools and students close to his heart.

Danny was so connected to the schools,” said O’Brien. “He loved the kids. We allowed students to register for free because we wanted them here.”

Over $5,000 was raised during the event. Proceeds are split evenly between Rotary Club scholarships and Anchor Food Pantry.

Businesses around town sponsored the event, covering necessary expenses to run the race.

“The fact that our business community rises up and takes care of us is special,” said O’Brien.

Rotary Club member Doug Dubin said he hopes students who attended will help carry on Cahill’s attitude of “service over self.”

“Events like this really bring the community together and raise community spirit,” said Rotary Club member David Legere.