To the Editor:

Thank you to everyone who came together for the Sandy Hook 5K and Kids Run on March 29, 2014! We had roughly 1,200 runners and 200 kids run through the finishing arches at FFH, as well as almost 200 virtual runners participating around the world. The sun shone down on us, and you made the day a huge success!

Thank you to the smiling speedy kids who led the way in the Kids Run and to Ben’s Bells whose medals made every finisher feel like a champion….Thank you to St. Rose’s Father Bob and to Jen Caraluzzi, our National Anthem singer, for lifting us up with your beautiful prayer and song.

Thank you to age group winner, First Selectman Pat Llodra and to Governor Malloy for showing your spirit by taking part in the race. Thank you to Sparticus and your furry friends for giving us comfort along the way. A special thank you to all the Police, Fire, EMT’s, mental health providers, and other first responders on and off the course for your strong support. Thank you to all the teachers, coaches, and parents for trying to keep up with your kids and for cheering them on ….And a huge thanks to NYA and to our other generous sponsors and to our volunteers, without whom the event would not be possible. Because of them, all entry fees went directly to The Newtown Memorial Foundation to support our Families’ Foundations and to help meet the mental health needs of our entire community.

We put our hearts and souls into planning this race, and we hope to reach out to even more of you next year.  Love Runs Through…

Sincerely,

Laura Nowacki

and the entire

Sandy Hook 5k Race Committee

10 Queen Street, Newtown, CT 06470             March 30, 2014