Racers celebrating a partial return to normalcy as they compete in the annual road race to support their local YMCA program LiveSTRONG®
2021 October | By Jacob Graf
WALLINGFORD, Connecticut: − People flocked to 81 S. Elm Street just outside of the YMCA on Sunday, the 19th of September for the annual Fishbein/YMCA Community Road Race which includes a 5K race or a free 1K walkSTRONG course. It was a brisk windy morning as runners arrived. A look around the diverse crowd showed mostly participants, but lots of families standing together, even some pets.
Mayor of Wallingford William W. Dickinson Jr. and Wallingford YMCA Executive Director Sean Doherty co-hosted the opening ceremony. The mayor opened with a trumpet piece followed by Georgia Scott singing the National Anthem.
Spectators were having fun and friendly attitudes surrounded the event grounds; laughter and animated voices permeated the air. Volunteers were attentive at their stations, ready to help get participants set up. Many people were wearing the event YMCA shirts, while others had custom running gear on; many of them sporting their running number.
Approximately 134 runners began their 5K race and soon after, the 1K walk. Spectators provided encouragement and clapping as runners strode into the finish line. Early finishers joined into the final stretch motivation of their fellow community members. It was a sunny summer finish as the awards ceremony took place for the top 3 finishers of both the Women’s and Men’s categories. Other medals were awarded to the top finishers by age group.
The top finish times of the 5K race were:
Women:
Elizabeth Fengler, age 25 [18:34:0]
H. Vanacour, age 12 [23:09:9]
Kelly Vanacour, age 34 [23:17:8]
Men:
Michael Corvekay, age 15 [18:45:2]
Payton Durant, age 16 [19:11:9]
Patrick Miett, age 28: [19:35:7]
Proceeds for this event support their local YMCA programs and services. One such program is the LiveSTRONG® program for community cancer survivors. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer is one of the most common causes of death globally, with a projected 1.8 million new diagnoses in the US alone in 2020. For many years, the healthcare industry has been trying to find better treatments and possible cures for this massive problem in our society. Equally alarming is another estimate that, “approximately 39.5% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes.” The common likelihood of this disease shows that approximately a little less than half of the people we pass on the street every day will deal with this diagnosis. The YMCA offers a free 12-week plan for those that have that are eager to improve their mental and physical health and return to normalcy.
The event is a much-welcomed return to normalcy this year as the past two installments have been hampered by the Corona virus pandemic, said YMCA Wallingford Executive Director Sean Doherty. They can now reintroduce their 10K race and reintegrate with celebrate Wallingford. Both are expected to come back next year. When asked about the challenges they have faced in keeping the event running, he stated restrictions, lingering Covid, and the deterrence those things have on potential participants. To keep everyone safe, he said, they have kept the event small, started in “heats,” and excluded food which is a common way for Covid-19 to spread. Physical safety was ensured by law enforcement, the fire department, and an ambulance. They were able to close half the road with staff located at intervals of the course. First aid was available both inside the YMCA and with a staff member driving alongside the course.
Doherty said a special thanks to his wife Theresa, Cassandra Allen, Erik Skinner, Vicky Langrecko, Rob Newton, and Chris Kingston. He also expressed gratitude to the volunteers from Choate Rosemary Hall, Sheehan High School, and the YMCA staff.
Multiple Connecticut YMCAs had races of their own in their respective counties all throughout summer and early fall.
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