5K Race in Layton Park helps raise funds for school projects
By Lauren Parker-Gill, Staff writer, The Times
The Kings Highway Elementary School 5K Color Run gets off to a colorful start as volunteers throw colored power at the start line.
WEST CALN – Despite an overcast and chilly Saturday morning at Layton Park, a crowd of parents, students, teachers and community members turned out for the Kings Highway Elementary School 5K Color Run.
This was the second year for the color run and is one of the biggest fundraisers at King’s Highway school, having raised $10,000 in its first year. Race directors Kelly Stauffer and Traci Tury set a goal of $15,000 for this year, which will directly benefit the students at the school through activities, field trips, assemblies and special projects.
The race day kicked off with a performance from local dancers at Shannon Cooper’s Academy of Dance of Wagontown, followed by a pre-run stretch and warm up at the direction of Phys.Ed. Teacher, Christine Ward.
Posing for a finish line photo are: (front row from left) Maria Kauffman, Michele Ollis, Traci Tury, Kristen Cain, Dana DiSands and (back row from left) King’s Highway principal Stevan Lefever, Patti Smith and Kelly Stauffer.
With four color stations along the 3.1 mile route through Layton Park, Resevoir Road and Waterworks Road, volunteers were ready to “paint” the participants with colored powder as they walked or ran by. As the runners and walkers approached the finish line, their once-white race shirts looked like colorful pieces of art.
King’s Highway principal Stevan Lefever was thrilled with the turn out:
“It’s great to see so many members of the community that came out to participate. That’s why we do this, to bring the community together,” said Lefever.
Members of the Pope John Paul Cross Country Team ran King’s Highway Elementary’s Color Run Saturday.
Speaking of the community, several members of the Pope John Paul School’s cross-country team also ran in the 5K. They initially had a meet scheduled for that morning, however it was canceled as a result of Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia and were happy to support King’s Highway Elementary.
Stauffer and Tury, who both ran the race, also felt a sense of community out on the course as they heard words of encouragement and support the participants showed one another along the course.
“Seeing the looks of excitement and satisfaction on the students’ and adults’ faces as they cross the finish line, is my favorite part of organizing this event,” said Stauffer.
Dancers from Shannon Cooper’s Academy of Dance performed for the crowd of runners before the race began.
“I absolutely love this event! Not only are we raising money for a good cause, we do it in a way that gets families, friends, and neighbors all together in one place, cheering each other on, laughing and inadvertently doing something healthy,” said Tury
“Going door-to-door, to sell items is really tricky these days. This event opens up a whole new window of opportunity for us to reach more people in a safe, kid friendly way.” Tury added.
Although final numbers are still being tallied, Stauffer and Tury are hopeful they will meet their goal with the nearly 175 registered runners, walkers, joggers and strollers, along with the dozens of businesses that sponsored the race or participated as vendors.
Sponsors included:
The Matt Gorham Group
ACR Machine Inc.
Riley’s Auto Body
Mr. E’s Tavern and Fine Food
J&J Design, LLC
Second Wind Race Timing
Breuninger Insurance
Shannon Cooper’s Academy of Dance
CS Bank
The Lundmark Group
Balance Hitting
KB Portraits
SNAP Fitness 24-7
Vendors included:
Hershey Motors
Bela Professional Cleaning
Gofit Bandz
Team CMMD
Origami Owl
Burlap Bird
Beauty Counter
Sherry and Greg Wynn – School Board
Christine Ward – Pre run stretch crew
Logowear House
DJ Justice Beat Addikts
