IMAGES: Leprechaun 5K Fun Run Was a Big Success and Fun for All

The following is a guest article by Julie Coppenrath , Leprechaun 5K Shuffle & Fun Run Race Director:

Two hundred and sixty runners along with many of their family and friends turned out for the inaugural Leprechaun 5k this past Sunday, March 17th.  The race started and ended at Burlington High School making a loop through the surrounding neighborhoods.  The course was the same as for previous races and is a favorite of runners for it’s moderate hills and easy to follow layout.    

The race was a benefit to raise funds for the nearby Nashoba Learning Group (NLG) in Bedford. NLG is a school for children with serious impairment due to autism.  It provides approximately 90 students age 3-22 with specialized education, training and intervention services in  year round, day school curriculum.  Over $6000 dollars (and counting) was raised by the event and will go directly to the school.  

The race winners were Josie Wilson, 16, of Newton, with a time of 22:03 in the female category and Zach Schwartz, 23, of Lexington, with a time of 15:32 in the male category.

The race was preceded by a 1/2 mile “fun run” around the high school, with many children and whole families participating.   

Race Director, Julie Coppenrath, hopes to repeat the successful event next year, and would like to thank this year's generous sponsors:

Sponsors B Positive Project, Burton's Grill, Burlington's Fitness Together, Pan de Oro Tortilla Chips and Jonathan Dunlea of Ameriprise Financial.

Other services were provided by Burlington High school, and the Burlington Police department. The Race Director extends her thanks to both organizations along with the town of Burlington.