Running for the Arts

Think Wilton schools are lacking a bit in the arts, or need a few more in their classrooms? Why not run in the cross-country Wilton 5k to raise money for Wilton schools this Sunday? 

The 5k, now in its third year, was founded by the , a private non-profit organization that raises money to support arts technology and professional development in Wilton public schools. Last year, the 5k raised $5,000, according to Kara Bingaman, a board member of the Foundation.

“The race had 230 [runners] the first year, and 250 last year,” said Bingaman.

“We get runners typically from around the state of Connecticut,” said Bingaman. Participants are anywhere from “families with strollers, 8-year-olds, [to] elite runners."

“[The] first year we had one from Germany. He saw a flyer while visiting,” she said.

The cross-country run, which begins with one run around the High School track extends through Cider-Mill and into Allen’s Meadow, is sponsored by a plethora of businesses around town. Sponsors include The Moore Center, the Wilton YMCA, Nestle Water, SmileArt, Manfredo Curtis Associates, Honey Tree PreSchool and Child Care, Verizon Wireless, Steve's Bagels, Swizzles Frozen Yogurt, Willa Ratner Design, RoadID.

“It’s not like here’s a check; all the sponsors get really involved. It makes for a nice relationship,” said Bingaman. For example, Steve’s and Swizzles will be providing bagels and frozen yogurt coupons for runners.

“I can’t explain the spirit. When the race is over nobody wants to leave. It’s a nice coming together for the summer,” said Bingaman.

There will be a cash prize for the top three male runners and top three female runners of $100, $75, and $50 for first through third place. T-shirts will be given out to all pre-registered runners.

In the past, money raised by the foundation has been put towards sending selected teachers to Harvard and Columbia for summer programs on the subject of teaching; teachers bring back what they learn and share it with their fellow peers. SMARTboards are already a mainstay in Wilton classrooms, although the number of boards is not yet up to goal. One of the Foundation’s most successful events was the “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?” charity which raised $11,000 and sold out 750 tickets, said Bingaman.

 “All the proceeds from the 5K and other Wilton Education Foundation fundraisers will be used for SMART Technology components for the schools, such as SMART Boards; fine arts funding; and staff development via the Summer Institute,” wrote Bingaman in an email to Patch.

Register by going to active.com or by going to the Foundation's  website. Registration is due by Wedsday, May 25. The race begins at 9 a.m. this Sunday, May 29, at the Wilton High School track.