April 27th event raises money for schools, scholarships
SPRINGFIELD -- U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, is the official race starter for the 3rd annual American International College 5K "Run for Education" on April 27.
More than 100 runners are expected to gather at 9 a.m., in front of the Federal Courthouse on State Street, for the event that raises funds for K-12 school needs, as well as scholarships to the college.
Teams compete for a top prize of $500, with $2,500 given to the school of their choice.
"This event represents a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance
of physical fitness. Our school districts strive to address the development of the whole child," Neal said in the release.
Vince Maniaci, college president, said the school's graduate programs have been "educating the educators in our school systems" for many years.
"We want to raise visibility and awareness that will lead to further support of K-12 education," said Maniaci, in the release, about the event.
Heather Cahill, associate vice president for institutional advancement,
noted that individuals and teams that place in the top three "also receive cash
prizes and donations."
"Last year we awarded more than $5,000 in prize money and this year
we are looking forward to an even more exciting competition, as more K-12
school teams come out to vie for the $2,500 first place prize," Cahill said.
Last year, $4,000 was awarded to the schools represented in the 5K road
race. Schools receiving funds included Wilbraham's Mile Tree School, Springfield's
Homer Street Elementary School, South Hadley High School, Suffield (Conn.) Academy of Suffield, Conn., Northampton High School, and Clifford M. Granger School in the Feeding Hills section of Agawam.
Western Massachusetts Distance Project, running for Chester (N.H.) Academy of took top team honors, while the Northampto Hamp High Harriers, came in second. Granger Team 1, running for Clifford Granger Elementary placed third. Gustaf Lidfeldt,
running for Suffield Academy, was the top male runner, while Floriane Chevalier, running for South Hadley High , was the top female
finisher.
"After looking at the results from last year, the course has proven to be
a fun and competitive experience. The course starts on a challenging hill
and finishes on our eight lane outdoor track," said Leo Mayo, AIC track coach.
Race sponsors include the K-12 Teachers Alliance, ProEx Physical Therapy,
Future Health, New Balance and DTZ Facilities Maintenance Services.