The Rooster Run/Walk 5K

To the Editor:

Thanks to the record 381 runners and walkers that turned out on Saturday, June 6, to support the Newtown Parks and Recreation 35th annual Rooster Run/Walk 5K. It was a great way to start the summer season here in town. As a PE teacher at Reed Intermediate School, I loved seeing all of the families that came out to promote living a healthy, active lifestyle.

The race proceeds support the Newtown Scholarship fund. The event could not happen without the generous support of our sponsors. Bagel Delight, Caraluzzi’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Stop & Shop, and Big Y provided all of the food. The race beverages were provided by the Pepsi Bottling Group, Crystal Rock, and Coca-Cola Naugatuck.

Thank you to our tremendous sponsors, please support them. They are: Bagel Delight, Pizza Palace, Church Hill Physical Therapy, New Balance Bethel, The Pepsi Bottling Group, Caraluzzi’s, Dental Associates, Newtown Middle School PTA, Dr Della Schmid and Colonial Chiropractic, The Fitness Loft, Newtown Youth Academy, Crystal Rock, Department of Children and Families, Coca-Cola Naugatuck, Stop & Shop, Newtown Diagnostic Imaging, Panera Bread, Big Y, Nina Nail Salon, Newtown Car Care, Ice Cream Shop, and Stew Leonard’s.

Special thanks to Sherri Baggett for her help and to the Newtown Scholarship committee members (Debbie Osborne, Barbara Borst, Carol Garbarino, Gary Steele and D. Nuzzo) that volunteered at registration. RoseAnn Reggiano, Amy Mangold, and Parks and Recreation do a great job getting everything ready, Ron and Rich, custodians at Reed Intermediate School, do all the setup and cleanup, and Aaron Blank and MaryFaith Zanghi were vital to race organization. Kelly Conte was of invaluable help heading the raffle committee.

The participants of the Females in Training program set a great tone for the race. The many Newtown families that run together make this a great event.

Thank you to Lt Sinko and the Newtown Police Department and Megan Posey and Newtown Ambulance, you did a wonderful job of keeping everyone safe. It is truly appreciated.

I am so happy to thank all of the Reed Intermediate School students and parents that volunteered their time and energy on race day. They were so helpful during registration, manning the water stop and timing out at mile one. They included Lilly Fulmer, Emily Turco, Julia Schoeni, Kevin Conte, Connor, Kyle and Laura Roche, Carol Cook, Baxter Hankin, Molly LaPak, and Maggie Wruck. Thanks to Sean Dalton for singing the National Anthem. Thanks to David Corsi, Kyle Mangold, and Joey Whelan for providing on-course entertainment. Thanks to FastTrackTiming for a job well done timing our race.

Please come out and support the Newtown Road Race on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend at Dickinson Park.

I look forward to seeing you next year at the 36th anniversary of the great Rockin Rooster Run in 2010.

I wish good health to all.

Mark Gerace

Race Director

22 Hall Lane, Newtown                                                      June 8, 2009