To the Editor:

Thanks to the Newtown community for coming out on Saturday June 15th in support of the Newtown Parks and Recreation’s 39th annual Rooster Run/Walk 5K.  We had 464 finishers, a Rooster Run record!  It was the closest finish ever with Kevin Hoyt and Zack Shwartz finishing in 15:09. What a great way to kick off the summer season here in town.

We aim to keep the tradition running strong on the Saturday prior to Father’s Day each year as it is Newtown’s ultimate family race. Thanks to Liz Raftery and her FIT runners and the Middle Gate School team organized by PE teacher Laura Cooper; these teams add a great dimension to the event.  Thanks to Newtown Parks and Recreation, specifically Roseann Reggiano and Amy Mangold, for their help and support in organizing this great race.  Thanks to the all of the rangers that assisted with set up at the Newtown Municipal Center.  Thanks to the Fairfield Hills Authority. 

The race proceeds are directed to the Newtown Scholarship Fund. Special thanks to Sherri Baggett for her help and to the Newtown Scholarship committee members that volunteered their time at registration and at strategic locations on the race course.  This year, kids 13 and under ran for $5. That money will go to the Park gift fund in honor of Sandy Hook children. Dr Laura Nowacki and Newtown Center Pediatrics will match that donation and pay it forward to help victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. Thanks to all of the friends and family members that volunteered on race day.

The event could not happen without the generous support of our sponsors, please support them. They are: Bagel Delight (Thanks Eunice, you truly support our community) and Dunkin Donuts (Thanks Jeff) for all of the bagels, Nestle for the all of the water and  H100 Water, our supplier for a great vitamin infused drink. In addition, Caraluzzi’s generosity consistently supplements the post-race fare.  Stop and Shop was exceedingly generous. Thank you: Olympia Sports, Frate Custom Cabinetry LLC, Church Hill Physical Therapy, Pro Health Physicians, Newtown Center Pediatrics, Dr. Della Schmid, The Newtown Action Alliance Inc., Monroe Staffing, Toro Restaurant, Newtown Hardware, Newtown Pizza Palace, Christine Fairchild-Coldwell Banker Residential, Joshua E. Baum D.M.D., The Bee Publishing Company Inc., and Big Y.

Thank you to the Newtown Police Department and Newtown Ambulance for keeping everyone safe.

Thanks to Ken Platt and Platt Systems for a job well done timing the race.

Please continue to support the Newtown Road Race Series and plan on participating in the Newtown Road Race on Labor Day Saturday and The Newtown Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.  Look out for a Sandy Hook run for families, hopefully coming to Newtown in late March.

Come and run on Flag Day June 14, 2014 at 8:00 a.m as we celebrate the anniversary of the 40th annual Rooster Run 5K. Good health to all.

Mark Gerace

Race Director

Newtown Rooster Run 5K

3 Main Street, Newtown                   June 18, 2013