Sprint for Springfield Schools This Sunday

Organizers of the Sprint for Springfield Schools 5k said almost 300 runners are getting ready to take their marks this Sunday. But there’s still time to get in the race.

The second annual Sprint for Springfield Schools 5K Run/Walk is this Sunday, Sept. 30, rain or shine. Registrations are being accepted online atwww.springfieldeducationfoundation.com until tonight at midnight. Runners can register on race day but are not guaranteed gift bags.  

The Sprint for Springfield Schools 5K Run/Walk, a USA Track & Field Grand Prix event, starts at 9 a.m. from the front parking lot of Jonathan Dayton High School with awards ceremony to follow at 9:45 a.m. The cost is $25 in advance, $30 day of event ($23/$28 to USATF members). There will also be a Fun Run for children under the age of nine that will also be held at Jonathan Dayton High School. The cost of the Fun Run is $10.

Early check-in and pre-race registration is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday.  Please use the front parking lot (facing Mountain Avenue) at Jonathan Dayton High School.  Signs will direct you to the 5K check-in/registration tables.  

The 2012 Sprint for Springfield Schools 5K Run/Walk corporate partners include:

• Top Dawg – UBS

• Fun Run – ATA Martial Arts

• Finish Line Sponsor – No Body Denied (NBD)

• Photography Sponsor – Morgan Stanley

• Registration Sponsor – Champion Container Company

• Overall Awards Sponsors – Sports Authority

• Awards Sponsor – New Balance

• High Honor Roll – Autoland; Century 21; Investor’s Bank; Planet Honda; Print Media; RiderInsurance; Seniors in Place; Springfield Education Association; William Rich Jewelers; Spanish Pavillion

• Honor Roll – JMK Auto

• Student Sponsor – Ferrero U.S.A. Inc., Hecht Family Chiropractic; Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper; Sneaker Factory; Springfield Orthodontics; UPS Store. Additional corporate support is being provided from Dick’s Sporting Goods; The Ice Hut; Rockland Bakery; Shop Rite of Springfield and Yo Addiction.

Organizers said that last year’s event generated over $12,000 and the money was put directly back into the classrooms. Teachers, through grant applications, received funds to enhance their classroom libraries on a myriad of topics to keep children engaged and develop an affinity for reading as well as purchased games and center activities to allow for differentiated teaching to foster knowledge and reinforce learning. Funds were also allocated to purchase additional applications for the existing technologies in the classroom and for additional art supplies that will develop and strengthen fine and gross motor skills and help with sensory integration.

Additional details on the race, including registration links can be found at www.springfieldeducationfoundation.com. If you are interested in volunteering for the day of the race, please contact Steve Wolcott at stevewolcott@yahoo.com.