Avon Central Schools’ second annual Veterans Day 5K and Fun Run raised about $1,100 earlier this month, all of which will be donated to the Livingston County Department of Veterans Services to help in its mission of supporting veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces upon their return to civilian life.
“We had a really great turnout,” said High School Principal Ryan Wagner, who helped organize the race. “Good mix of students, faculty, staff, community members of Avon, people outside of Avon.”
This year’s race was also markedly larger than last year’s, said Wagner.
“Last year we had, I think, just over 100 participants and this year, we increased participation to 171,” he said.
Avon junior Finn S. won the 5K with a time of 17:58. Michael Ciripompa of Marion took second with a time of 18:31 while Jonathan Ackles of Fairport rounded out the top three with a time of 19:02.
Stephanie Steidle of Avon was the top female finisher with a time of 21:15.
Brooks T. won the kids fun run for the second year in a row, taking the 800-meter race with a time of 3:20. L. Button was the top female finisher in the fun run, crossing the finish line at the 3:50-minute mark.
In addition to raising money for veterans, Wagner said one of the event’s many bright spots was the extent to which Avon students were involved in its successful execution.
“The students who were involved through their health class service learning project - they really did a lot as far as the planning, marketing of the event. They did everything from helping with setup to registration to cleanup,” Wagner said. “We also had a lot of our National Honor Society chapter members come in and volunteer on the day.”
In addition to the student groups, Wagner also singled out several community groups for praise.
“The Avon PTA was there helping out, Rotary and the Lions helped us promote, the Penny Saver gave us a free ad to promote the event,” said Wagner. “So we’re just very appreciative of all the different community organizations that came together to help make this such a successful event. It takes a lot of people.”
With the 5K now in the rear view mirror, Wagner said organizers’ attention will now turn to the third annual race next year and continuing to pull more runners in from Avon, Livingston County and beyond.
“It’s just a really great event - and growing,” said Wagner. “I think it's always great to do something community-wide that honors and supports veterans and I think expanding knowledge of what Veterans Day is and what it means and being able to give back are some of what makes it such a great event.”
Photo courtesy of Brenna D.
Avon seventh grader Quinn K. sings the National Anthem Nov. 11 at the Veterans Day 5K and Fun Run.
Photo courtesy of Brenna D.
David Terry, director of Livingston County’s Department of Veterans Services, addresses runners Nov. 11 before the start of Avon’s Veterans Day 5K and Fun Run.
Photos courtesy of Brenna D.
Runners participate in Kids Fun Run at Avon Central Schools’ second annual Veterans Day 5K on Nov. 11. About 40 kids participated in the fun run while about 130 participated in the 5K. In all, the event raised about $1,100 for the Livingston County Department of Veterans Services.
Photos courtesy of Brenna D.
Runners participate in Avon Central Schools’ second annual Veterans Day 5K on Nov. 11. About 130 participated in the 5K while another 40 participated in the Kids Fun Run. In all, the event raised about $1,100 for the Livingston County Department of Veterans Services.