The Rooster Run is celebrating a major milestone — 50 years. Think of all the participants that have crossed the finish line in this event throughout the years. There is a chance to be part of this rich Newtown race history in this notable year as runners and walkers are invited to register for the Saturday, June 15, race at Fairfield Hills. The event, hosted by Newtown Parks & Recreation, runs from 7 am to noon.

“We are very excited to host the 50th annual Rooster Run this year. This original 5K race was the concept of John Cavanaugh and Bob and Cynthia Cassidy 50 years ago and was sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Commission,” said Director of Newtown Parks and Recreation Amy Mangold, adding that the race has evolved to a point where all proceeds support Newtown High School students through the Newtown Scholarship Association in Memory of Lee Davenson, a former Director of Newtown Parks and Recreation, and that the race has taken on a 10K option in recent years as well.

“This year we are honored to have the title sponsorship of Hoekenga & Machado Attorneys at Law. Dan Murtha from that practice has been an active part of our race committee and is helping to make this year extra special. We are having a kids fun run titled, The Little Chicks Dash and Dan has secured Andy Sachs Around Town Real Estate Team to sponsor the Little Chicks Dash. There will be bounce houses from Super Fun Inflatables secured by Sherri Baggett from the race committee as a representative from the Newtown Scholarship Association. Aaron Britton from the Newtown Parks and Recreation Commission is on the committee and has secured our food sponsor of Dodgingtown Market & Deli. Food will be free for runners and a small fee will be charged for non-race participants,” Mangold said.

DJ John Voket and a live band will be on hand with the band sponsored by Mt. Pleasant Hospital for Animals and Pleasant Paws. Trophies will be awarded for first, second, and third place winners in each category.

A coupon for a free beverage at Reverie Brewing Company, and sponsor NewSylum Brewing will open at noon for runners to grab a pizza or beverage after the race.

“We have many wonderful vendors and sponsors that will be making this event very special and still have vendor opportunities available if anyone is interested. We are also in need of volunteers for the Rooster Run and also have some fun rooster costumes if any high school students need volunteer community hours,” Mangold said. Call 203-270-4340 for information.

“The 50th anniversary Rooster Run 5K will be an amazing race for all ages to participate. We are looking forward to seeing so many Newtown friends and families,” Britton said.

Cost for the 50th Annual 5K and 7th Annual 10K is $35 for participants 18 and older and $25 for ages 5 to 17; cost for the Little Chicks Dash (ages 3 to 7) is $10. Register here.

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Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.