Runners of 5Ks, marathons and the like understand how a boost coming down the stretch can really make a difference.
It may come from seeing the finish line get closer, the rain letting up after a muggy start or someone in the crowd holding a fun sign and cheering people on.
All three were felt Saturday morning by participants in the second annual Dorseyville Middle School Foxes on the Run 5K at Hartwood Acres.
Paul Basson, 9, of Fox Chapel was with his mother, Chi, on the sidelines less than 50 yards from the finish with a sign that read “Tap Here to Power Up” and had an image of a red-and-white mushroom from the “Super Mario Bros” games.
More than a dozen runners took the boost.
“His dad really likes to run, and we love the idea of doing an event together as a family even if we are only supporting and not running,” Chi Basson said. “His sister is on the track team.”
The father/daughter team of David and Ana Basson were among about 170 other runners at the event in Allison Park.
“It’s a good thing on a Saturday morning,” David Basson said. “We like to encourage our kids to participate in things like that, and if we do it with them I think they’re more likely to do it. We’re happy do to it together. I like to run when I get a chance, which isn’t that much any more.”
Ana is a seventh grader and a sprinter on the middle school track team. She was happy her school was able to organize the event.
“I like running with my dad because he runs for fun,” said Ana, 12. “I know he can do a lot more, but he definitely slowed down for me and helped pace me and stuff.
“I like how (the school) put it together. It’s a really good event. It’s really well-organized.”
Top 5K finishers were Ethan Wirt, 14, of Fox Chapel in first place, Oakley See, 14, of Fox Chapel in second and David Snyder, 47, of Butler in third. All three finished within 20 minutes and a few seconds.
Snyder is a librarian at Dorseyville. He designed and created the awards and gifts given to the runners.
“I really like designing awards, and we’re fortunate to have the equipment and the software and all that stuff,” Snyder said. “It’s nice to have custom ones for your event. A lot of times you’ll see a generic award. I like to see there be ones specific to the race and ones that hopefully represent the school and the kids really enjoy.”
The gifts were red clicker toys in the shape of a sneaker with a fox tail at the heel. The awards had a similar look with 1st, 2nd and 3rd imprinted. Everything was 3-D printed in the middle school’s Makerspace.
Rain was pouring during registration and let up slightly during the half-mile kids’ run and the following 100-meter kids’ dash to start the event. Rain had stopped just in time for the main event.
A little water didn’t stop David Wolfe, 8 of Hampton and Liam Sizemore, 10, of Indiana Township from coming in first and second, respectively, in the opening run.
“I thought it’d be fun,” David said.
Liam said this was his second year competing and the rain helped keep him cool.
Event organization
The event is organized by Dorseyville Middle School Foxes Council and its Health and Wellness Committee.
The goal was to raise between $2,000 and $3,000 for student activities.
Bre DeComo is a school counselor and council adviser. She said planning began in November.
“It’s a great community event that brings everyone together,” DeComo said. “Walkers, runners, families, friends, just a great event. It’s open for anyone.”
Several high school students and middle school teachers volunteered.
About 200 people participated last year and raised more than $2,000.
DeComo said races are run rain or shine.
“It was here (at Hartwood) last year and it rained last year, too,” DeComo said. “Our date was not great. We’re hopeful to change it to maybe May next year so the weather maybe might cooperate a little bit better. We actually have a pretty good turnout for the way the weather was.”
Council president Rosie Echeverria, 14, of Fox Chapel announced the winners of the races.
She said it was a lot of work finding sponsors and getting volunteers, but it was worth it. This was her first time in a leading role at the race.
“I think it went really well,” Rosie said. “I had a lot of fun. I’m glad a lot of people showed up even though it was raining. I think overall everyone had a great time. … I think it’s a very fun event to make sure everybody comes together as a community and has fun.”
Top finishes for Dorseyville grade levels will be announced at the school.
Other activities included face painting, an art station and games.
Race sponsors were GCXC Race Timing & Management, Smiles by Smith Orthodontics, PetVet365, the Hartwood Restaurant, Lauri Ann West Community Center, and Bowser Chevrolet Monroeville.
More results, awards and other information about the event is available at runsignup.com/foxesontherun5k.