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At NOW Race
Gene Michael Deary, left and Jay Long. Courtesy photo.
The 9th Annual NOW 5k Road Race & Walk (“Lap the Lake”) raised a record amount of funds with $25,500 gross and an estimated profit of about $19,000, according to Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Inc. (NOW) Executive Director Tayler Shea.
In addition to the scenic 5k route around Lake Alexander, the event also featured a Kids Fun Run Race that saw just over 50 children ages 2 to 10. The women's winner was Linda Spooner of Sturbridge and the men's winner was Andrew Luneau of Killingly.
All proceeds will be used to support the NOW youth scholarship program and free wellness programs in the 10-town area of northeastern Connecticut.
With the support of Race Day Sponsor, Centreville Bank, the event saw notable changes in 2021. For the first time in the race’s history, Boston Beer Company and Renee’s Bistro & Catering Services were there to provide complimentary adult beverages, bratwurst sandwiches, and an apple chicken soup. Bachand, Longo, and Higgins Attorneys of Law, was the refreshment sponsor.
For several years, the Road Race has been generously sponsored by Putnam Bank, which shows additional support with dozens of employees participating. Centreville Bank decided to continue this legacy into 2021 and the coming years. NOW also welcomed a new major sponsor, Spirol International Corporation, which signed on along with Gerardi Insurance to sponsor the Kids Fun Run event. NOW welcomed back Lake Road Generating and Jewett City Savings Bank as starting line and finish line sponsors.
The major event sponsors were joined by 22 additional sponsors supporting the official event T-shirt. Cash awards were presented to the top three male and female runners, sponsored by WIN Waste Innovations (formerly Wheelabrator) and W.F. Shea and Company. All youth runners who ran in either the full 5k or the Kids Fun Run received participation medals.
Shea said: “We are extremely grateful for all of the support that we received for this year’s road race. It has proven to be the most successful year in the history of the event, and it was an exciting year of incredible growth for NOW 5k road race. Jay Long has been an exceptionally great chair for the road race committee and we are excited to share that we're already working on our 2022 road race!”
In addition to the many sponsors, the Road Race was also supported by several local volunteers, including singer Elle Goslin. Gene Michael Deary who lead the awards ceremony following the race. Local photographer Mikayla Gagnon with Ginger Photography took photos. The Killingly High School girls’ soccer team arrived ready to conquer the day with more than 40 volunteers. As well, the two water stations that lined the course were supported by volunteers from the Girl Scouts alongside KHS soccer girls. The Dayville Fire Company offered volunteer support by conducting traffic on Upper Maple Street, ensuring all event participants remained safe. Complimentary refreshments, including water, bananas and clementine oranges were donated by United Natural Foods, Putnam Supermarket, Killingly Stop and Shop, Killingly Target, Putnam Walmart, and Jay Long.
All proceeds will support the many youth programs NOW offers to children living in the 10-town area of northeastern Connecticut, including youth scholarship support, fitness & nutrition outreach, and free wellness clinics. NOW is a non-profit human services organization focused on youth wellness. NOW provides children with the opportunity to participate in area wellness activities and athletics programs, offering scholarships to the youth of the community with up to 95 percent of the cost being subsidized by NOW. The mission of the organization is to provide ALL children, regardless of financial resources, equal opportunities to achieve & maintain youth wellness, beginning at an early age.
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