An upcoming 5K run/walk on the campus of Avon Central School District will honor veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces while also raising money for veterans services in Livingston County.
“Every year, we honor veterans for Veterans Day and we’ve kind of done a mix of things,” said High School Principal Ryan Wagner, one of the race organizers. “Our library staff in particular have done a great job trying to get kids involved in honoring veterans in some way whether it be writing cards or collecting food or, in the past, we’ve even brought in veterans to speak to students.”
Recently, Wagner said he and Suzanne Freeman, Avon High School’s library media specialist, have been trying to come up with something that would continue to honor veterans while becoming a recurring event that people marked on their calendars each year.
“The goal was to do something annual to honor veterans that can continue to expand and grow and to provide our kids with a regular service learning opportunity and also just an opportunity to get out in the community and do something more than just go to class,” Wagner said. “Something where we can get the whole school and community involved and then maybe get it established to where it’s beyond just Avon.”
After discussing different possibilities, the pair settled on the idea of a five-kilometer race and Avon’s Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk was born.
While the primary purpose of the 5K is to recognize and honor veterans and raise money and awareness for veterans services in Livingston County, Wagner, who also serves as wellness coordinator for Avon, said the race will also be a great health and wellness opportunity for students, staff and members of the community.
“You can promote health and wellness in the community while honoring vets and raising some money for veterans services,” he said. “It’s really a win-win.”
Avon students have been lending a hand getting the event off the ground - like those in Mr. Chris Cole’s health class who created an informational flyer to advertise the race - and will volunteer on race day to help make sure things run smoothly.
All race proceeds will be donated to Livingston County’s Department of Veterans Services.
Race details
Avon’s Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk is Saturday, Nov. 12.
The 5K race will take place on the district’s campus and will begin at 10 a.m. The race will begin in front of the Avon Middle School and finish on the 50-yard line of the district's athletic stadium.
Registration fees are as follows:
• Veterans: Free (use the coupon code “Veterans” when registering to receive 100 percent off)
• Pre-kindergarten through 6th grade students: A donated food item
• 7th through 12th grade students: $10
• Individuals: $20
• Families: $40
There will also be an 800-meter “Fun Run” open to students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, though kids in this grade range may choose to run in the 5K if they wish. The fun run is free and will take place on the high school track starting at 9:30 a.m.
All racers will receive a participation ribbon and the top three finishers on the men's and women's side will receive medals. Competitors are encouraged to wear red, white and blue.
To register for the race, click here.
To purchase Avon Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk apparel, click here.
The route map of Avon’s inaugural Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Nov. 12. The race will start in front of the Avon Middle School (green dot in image above) and end at the 50-yard line of the district’s athletic stadium (red dot in image above).