Newtown Runners Participate In Half Marathon

By Andy Hutchison

FAIRFIELD — More than 3,000 runners from all over the state, out of state — even out of the country — came together and competed in the Stratton Faxon Fairfield Road Races, a half marathon and 5k race, this past Sunday.

Among the participants were many Newtown and Sandy Hook running enthusiasts.

The hot and humid weather didn’t stop runners of almost all ages from pushing themselves and making their way through the streets Fairfield in the annual event hosted by the Fairfield Firefighters. The races are held to raise money for nonprofit groups such as the Connecticut Burns Care Foundation’s camp for severely burned children. This was the 30th year of the races.

Some of the top runners in the world come from far away to compete in the grueling race. And many local runners laced up their sneakers to challenge themselves on the course.

Ethiopia’s Bado Worku, 20, won the 13.1 mile half marathon in a time of 1:05.49.

Among the Newtown representatives was Laura Nowacki who said, lightheartedly, after completing the 13.1-mile course, “I came in third for the old ladies,” referring to her third place finish in the 45-49 age group.

“It was a lot of fun — the hills, the scenery’s beautiful,” Nowacki added.

The Begg family — mom and dad (Bill and Leah) and daughter and son (Erin and Billy) ran the long race, which started and finished at Jennings Beach.

“It’s fun because I get to spend time with them,” said Erin, who is 16 and a standout runner at Newtown High.

Her NHS teammate Mara Scallon also ran the half marathon and the duo crossed the finish line together.

Erin Begg said this was her seventh or eighth half marathon. This was Scallon’s first.

“I found it a lot of fun to run with Erin — as fun as 13 miles can be,” Scallon said.

Sandy Hook residents Ali Cordova and Beth Guerrera ran the race together and Cordova didn’t deny that the tandem was impressed with running this long course.

“Amazing, unbelievable — we’re so proud of ourselves,” she said.

And their family members were proud of them, too.

“Both of our husbands and kids came,” Guerrera noted.

Results from the race are available online at www.fairfieldhalf.org.