Bristow Run's Second Annual Panther Pride 5K Proves Successful

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Hundreds of Bristow community members participated in Bristow Run Elementary School's Second Annual Panther Pride 5K and one mile Tech Trot.

Bristow Run Assistant Principal Scott Baldwin, who organized the races, said the turnout was even bigger than the one they held last spring due to the additional 120 participants in the one mile Tech Trot.

Last spring, funds from the First Annual Panther Pride Run were used to kick off the school’s Global Initiative. This time, Baldwin said funds raised would go towards furthering that initiative as well as assisting with technology expenses, including upgrading computer programs and buying iPads, should funds stretch that far.

The 5K and one mile race was also part of another initiative, one to promote health and wellness. In that regard the race was very successful, challenging even occasional runners and joggers to participate.

“I think it’s really important to show that we’re healthy and doing something fun,” said parent volunteer, Lenora McGarvey.

Many Bristow Run teachers felt the same, so they banded together to show the children how it's done.

“One of the school initiatives is health and wellness so we thought we’d show the students and be role models for them,” said second grade teacher, LaToya Williams.

Sally Winkelmann, another second grade teacher, said she ran last year’s 5K after just turning 50 and was inspired to do it again this season.

Winkelmann complimented the students on their speed and endurance, saying, “students did an awesome job.”

On the run, many adults had a difficult time keeping up with the spry young people, who did not seem to tire or strain, while others were busy setting their own records.

Heather Steele said she was especially excited about the 5K since she and a few other Bristow Run moms had taken a “Couch to 5K” program and afterwards formed a “Mom Squad” of runners.

Fellow Mom Squad runner Dana Kirkland said the 8-week program took them from being non-runners and prepared them to run the 3-mile race. Now she encourages others to take those first steps towards improving their health and fitness level.

“People think they can’t run and it’s not true,” Kirkland said.

Beth Heim said that for her the Mom Squad was a nice way to get back into shape after her last kid was born; and she did not have to do it alone.

Other parents ran beside their children in the 5K race, including Susan Borowski. Her son Nicholas, who ran last year, said he had a lot of fun and wanted to do it again.

“Last year, I liked when we passed the cones,” Nicholas said.

Borowski said their family ran the Marine Corp’s Marathon’s Fun Run; they also signed up to participate in a 5K in Disney World.

Before the race, runners met in the gymnasium, picking up running packets that included a Panther Pride tee shirt, community sponsored advertising and a raffle ticket. To warm up for the race, they could join a Zumba demonstration. All around the gym, representatives attended from community-based businesses that specialize in health and wellness, such as Smile Dentistry in Gainesville.

When it was time for the first race, runners, wearing timers from D.C. Runners, took their marks on the line. When Baldwin called “go,” they began the 3.13 mile loop around the community.

Although the route was mainly uphill, including the return, that was nothing new to members of the Kingsbrooke community, familiar with the uphill terrain.

After the race, people gathered back in the school gym for breakfast of Panera bagels or bananas and coffee. Winners of the race were announced per age group and gender and those winners collected their ribbons. Next Baldwin announced raffle winners, who won gift certificates to local stores, including the Running Store at Atlas Walk in Gainesville, one of their premiere sponsors.

Kids also received the chance to meet community mascots, such as the Bristow Run Panther, Splash Down Water Park Dolphin and McGruff the Crime Dog. When it was time for the Tech Trot, the mascots held their own race first. Panther, who was spurred on by community support, came in first place.

Then some of the elementary children took off on their Tech Trot one-mile run/walk, which allowed more non-runners to take part in the action.

Bristow Run hopes to continue its Panther Pride 5K annually.

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