For students like Joni Moody, 17, Memorial Day isn’t a typical day off from school. While the others head to the beach Moody and some of her classmates will be making the a reality.
The Bearathon Road Race is a loop around Masons Island that takes place on Memorial Day. This year’s race begins at 10 a.m. and is timed by SNERRO and endorsed by USA Track and Field. The race costs $15 to register beforehand or $20 on the day of the race, with all the proceeds going to benefit the classes of 2013 and 2015.
Moody and classmates from 2013 and 2015, with the help of class advisors Sandra LaCombe, Leilani Laroco-Chance and Ann Marie Houle, have spent the past few months organizing the race including getting permits and approval from the and Board of Education. On race day they will be hand on making sure everything goes smoothly.
“This isn’t seen as a chore, we look forward to it,” Moody said.
Moody ran in the race in previous years but this year as one of the organizers she’ll be on the sidelines. The race, since it’s inception three years ago has been a student affair. It was the idea of the class of 2011 one that class advisors LaCombe and Laroco-Chance fully supported. Former students , Claire Chambers, Michaela Gillick and Alyssa Smallridge did so much of the work themselves that LaCombe and Laroco-Chance weren’t really sure what to do without them.
“We didn’t realize how much work it was,” LaCombe said.
Lucky for them and for all of the people who love the race last year’s senior class taught Moody what to do during the 2011 race. She hopes to pass on the race to class of 2015, which is helping out this year.
“I love running and putting running in with a fundraiser that students organize,” Moody said.
In its fourth year the race is now one of the biggest class fundraisers with money going to fund class activities such as prom. LaCombe said they are hoping to raise $3,000 this year and will donate at least $500 to the .
“I love the enthusiasm from the students and the people to run the race,” LaCombe said.
Students and their teachers from are planning to run the race as well. And many runners come back year after year. LaCombe and Laroco-Chance are expecting about 200 runners.
“It brings the school and community together,” Laroco-Chance said.
For more information on the race and/or to register visit Memorial Day 5K Bearathon Road Race website, which was created by former Stonington High School Student . If you go to the race please share your photos on Stonington-Mystic Patch in Pics & Clips.
