The 14th annual Oak Square YMCA Oaktoberfest 5K celebration kicked off bright and early on Sunday without a hitch as about 450 residents came out to participate.

The weather was a bit chilly that early in the morning, but more than one runner said they preferred it that way. The temperature warmed up as the runners, well, warmed up, and the starting gun saw hundreds filter through Brighton’s streets.

Oak Square Y Executive Director Kerry Jackson-Lee said the 5K is aimed at raising funds to subsidize membership fees for residents who could not otherwise afford them.

“We raise money so that other neighbors in the community can join us and have the health benefits they so desire regardless of their ability to pay,” she said. “It’s very exciting and fun, and a lot of people come out to enjoy the day… We also throw a heck of a party afterwards, just in celebration of people helping people.”

Jackson-Lee said she was thankful the Y was able to put this together for 14 years now, and that, this time at least, the weather cooperated.

“It’s gorgeous today, thank God the sun is shining, it’s not super windy or super cold, it’s great running weather,” she said. “We just love being here for the community and being able to help others learn, grow and thrive.”

Speaking of thriving, resident Casandra Xavier said she has been doing just that, with the help of the Oak Square Y.

“The YMCA is a special space for me,” she said. “They were very warm and welcoming to me when I started my weight loss journey. I walked in weighing 300 pounds and prediabetic, and six years later, after their motivation and encouragement, I’m now registered for a half-marathon with a running guide as a visually-impaired athlete.”

Xavier ran the 5K with her guide Noah Naddaff-Slocum, and said she felt the course might be a small challenge.

“It’s a short course, and I’m pretty sure we’re going to find some hills, but that’s okay, my quads are ready for it,” she said. “And me and my guide Noah are going to take this race out. We’re going to do just fine.”

Resident Jeff Walkens – wearing a running suit in spite of his surname – said he has done the race a few times, and while it’s a good course, he said it’s the people that keep him coming back.

“It’s a fun time for everyone and it’s just an annual thing for me now,” he said. “It’s just for fun, and it’s a really good race. It’s a challenging course and there’s always a lot of enthusiasm coming from everyone around here.”

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Residents Abby Miller and Sarah Thorne said they are both Y members and they wanted to support their community.

“And I, myself, have never run a 5K so I thought this would be a good way to do it,” Miller said.

“I wanted to see if I could run a 5K again,” said Thorne with a laugh.

The pair said they just wanted to support the Y community in Brighton, as they get a lot out of everything the location has to offer.

“We have a really great Y, it’s very supportive of our community, the classes are awesome, it’s always packed, the coaches are awesome, and we just like to be here,” Miller said.

“Most of my friends are from this community,” said Thorne, literally as one of those friends came up to ask them something.

“That was one of the friends we made here!” said Miller with a laugh.

For more information on the Oak Square Y, go to https://ymcaboston.org/oaksquare/