Community Corner

Medfield Runs for Sandy Hook Families

Medfield runners joined the nationwide virtual run for Sandy Hook.

 

On Saturday, approximately 30 runners joined others around the country in solidarity as part of a virtual run to support the families of the Sandy Hook tragedy.

The race was first envisioned as a Danbury, Conn., area event to benefit the Sandy Hook School Support Fund. This fund, managed by the United Way of Western Connecticut and Newtown Savings Bank, directly supports the ongoing needs of the families affected by the tragic events in Newtown on Dec. 14, 2012.

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Shortly after the announcement of the race, response from the public was so overwhelming that the race had to be relocated to Hartford to accommodate all of those interested in participating. It was at that time that they opened up the race to "virtual" runners and encouraged people to run where they are.

Races like the "Medfield Run For Sandy Hook" were held all over the country on March 23.

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The Medfield event was organized by Kerri McManama (of Medfield's New 'N Towne Club) who started the event with a moment of silence for the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The no-frills race started at the Wheelock Elementary School, circled between the middle and high schools, and returned to the Wheelock School. 

Mike Drumm was the first to cross the finish line. 

"I have a good friend who lives in Newtown, he has kids in the middle school and high school, so obviously he's been shaken by it because his kids went to school there," said Drumm. "This means a lot to me."

Deb Lutz was the first woman to finish the race.

"We're all running with thoughts and prayers for everybody who went through the tragedy; we want them to know we're thinking of them," said Lutz.

Karina Christle, 11, was the youngest to run the race.

"I like to run and also I thought it was just kind of sad about the people at that school," she said. 


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