Glenkirk Elementary 5K, Spring Fling Unite Families and Educators

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Glenkirk Elementary School in Gainesville had a great turnout at its first annual 5K Fun un and Spring Fling Festival PTO fundraisers Saturday morning.

“The Running Store, one of our sponsors who helps all the schools organize their 5Ks, was really surprised by how many people we had in our first year. It was three times what we had expected,” said Margaret Krob, one of three lead parent organizers of the 5K.

A high level of community involvement made the two runs and festival successful. Teachers, parents and students were not only enthusiastic about running, but also felt a personal investment in the outcome of the event.

First-grade teacher Lynn Dunn noticed that “all the first grade teachers were here.”

Her colleague, first-grade teacher Valerie Kubancik, said she decided to run her first 5K because her students wanted to see her involved.

“It was a goal of mine to do before my birthday. I’ve been training three to five days a week, but I never ran before. I did it for my school; my students really wanted me to be in it,” Kubancik said.

Kubancik was happy with her time, and that she was consistent throughout the race.

“I did not even stop to walk,” she said.

Her students were excited for her as well with a few holding signs that read “Team Kubancik.”

Others in the Glenkirk community were equally as enthusiastic about running the 5 kilometers for their school and their children. Glenkirk I.T. assistant Chris McMahon ran with her children, whom she said  did not take the race too seriously.

“They wanted to catch up with their friends,” she said, and overall, “they really had a good time.”

Fifth-grade teacher Gloria Lyhan noted that for most families, running the 5K was mostly about having fun. Yet, she remained amazed at the overall success, saying,“Just look at all the people who turned out!”

However, for some runners the 5K was a way to train for the next half marathon, or to discover their aptitude as a long distance runner.

First-place winner Matt Wells crossed the finish line in 19:22.

“This is my first (5K) this year,” Wells said, “but I try to stay in shape.”

Wells' neighbor, the race director, encouraged him to participate. However, Wells would not take all the credit for his victory.

“I have to give all the credit to my daughters who cheered me on: Maecy, Carli, Ellie, and supermom Ashley,” Wells said.

Eighth-grade student at Gainesville Elementary, Sierra Biber, was the first female to cross the finish line with a time of 20:35.

Biber, who runs track and plays soccer, said she’d thought she’d do well; however, even she was surprised by her place and time in the race.

“I didn’t know I’d get third in the whole race,” Biber said.

Biber said she will have to choose between playing soccer or running cross country next year at Patriot High School, but either way, she’ll be spending most of her time running.

Erin Bonilla crossed the finish line with her son, eight-month-old Ryan in a running stroller, in just 24:13.

Bonilla admits she has had some practice.

“I run a lot of 5Ks, half marathons and 10Ks,” she said. “I run every day or almost every day.”

After the race, the community gathered together, dancing to upbeat music.

Families stuck around to enjoy the school’s Spring Fling Festival’s festivities, which included a moon bounce, games inside and outside of the school, food and treats.

About a half hour later, more Glenkirk families arrived to join them.

Krob said the event was very successful, and the PTO would be donating the majority of funds raised to the Glenkirk Elementary School to fund more technology in the classroom.

“One of our big fundraising priorities is for technology- upgraded computers in the classrooms and tablets,” Krob said.

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