Run Back to School 2022
On Sunday, October 2 the Latimer Lane PTO hosted the 9th annual Run Back to School. The sun was shining and the day boasted perfect running weather. Volunteers at the registration table greeted the 300 registered runners to grab their race shirts before the Fun Run and 5k began. And what would the day be without Captain Latimer making an appearance and watching over the festivities from the roof of the school?!?
At 10am the FUN RUNNERS gathered at the starting line. Students were greeted by Marissa Forde’s amazing hay bale Minions and broke into their age categories. The confetti cannons went off and so did the kids. The run consisted of an army crawl, jumping over hay bales, running over bubble wrap and through silly string, jumping through hoops, balancing on beams, and finishing through a maze and balloon arch finish. Lots of laughs, excitement, and some friendly competition were evident as kids enjoyed the race around the fields.
Next up was the 5k. 162 runners were registered and headed up the hill to the start line. The notorious PE teacher, Mr. Brandon Carpe finished in the first spot yet again with a time of 18:36. That’s a 6:00/mile pace for those trying to do the math. Carpe was followed by Don Namnoum (with a jogging stroller), and Ryan Reese. First place female was awarded to the speedy Michelle Wolff with a time of 23:27. Wolff was followed by Katja Jylkka and Jen Parent. I should also mention that our fearless leader, Captain Latimer placed 16th overall donning his full suit complete with cape and face mask.
While the leaders were impressive, the highlight of the day was most certainly the approximately 50 student runners who completed the entire 5k course. Many students, ranging from age 4-12, ran their first ever 5k race and served as an inspiration for fellow students and adults alike. The excitement both at the finish line and the awards ceremony was contagious, and we can’t wait to see what these kids come back with next year. Overall winners and age category winners were awarded with Little City gift cards which were generously donated by the restaurant.
In addition to the running events, families enjoyed an awesome live DJ (thank you Rob Carmen), a photobooth (Jeremy Harrison), face painting (Charlene Spurrier, Jaime Ieraci-Denis, and many student volunteers), and a raffle (Bri Schaffer & Kris Anne Kinney). A HUGE thank you to all of our volunteers, but especially Jackie Lachance for reaching out to our sponsors and gaining $5900 in local sponsorships!! Jackie also helped to collect raffle prizes. In addition, we need to thank Marrissa Forde for organizing the FUN Run, Leslie Kosswig for her work in collecting raffle prizes, Jenna Caulfield for facilitating t-shirts, Carolina Escalante-Roy for the beautiful signs that lined the course, and all of our other volunteers who helped with set up, break down, registration, paperwork, etc. Co-chairs Justine Medic and Lizzy Givan are excited to start planning our big 10 year celebration next fall!
2020 Sponsor List:
Griffin Electrical Contractors, Inc.
Kemper Associates Architects, LLC
Jennifer Buckley Photography
Welden Hardware, LLC
Nathan C Berry, Hartford Dental
Avon Plumbing & Heating Co, Inc.
Bosco's Garden Center
Yarn Bomber
Mosquito Joe
Sanford & Hawley, Inc.
Ground H2O
Simsbury Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry
Rhino Back Roofing
Farley Mac's
Richard J Kenny
Danielle Mellion Photography
McKenna Orthodontics, PC
Sotil Tree Service, LLC
AK Hair Salon
Clohessy, Harris & Kaiser, Inc
M & M Tire and Auto Service LLC
MBR2
Avon Prime Meats