This year’s memorial road race brought our largest participation yet, along with a tremendous sense of determination, strength and community spirit among all who attended. We had a total of 225 pre-registered runners, and 25 registered on race day, bringing our total to 250 who signed up to race, an all-time record for the event.
We also celebrated a new course record in the 5K run, completed in an impressive 16 minutes and 45 seconds.
Photo by Brian Doyon
10K Runners, ready to go.
With the assistance of State Captain Gregg Barrat of the Patriot Guard Riders, six Patriot Guard members attended to honor Dustin’s memory. Their presence was both meaningful and appreciated, as they proudly embraced and supported our community through their service.
Also, giving tribute to the memory of Dustin, was CT State Representative Tami Zawistowski. We were additionally honored to welcome CT Military and Veterans Representative, retired US Navy veteran Manny Meneses, representing the office of Congressman Joe Courtney. Congressman Courtney’s wife, Audrey Courtney, also pre-registered and participated in this year’s 5K run.
None of this would have been possible without the many generous sponsors, donations, volunteers, and, most especially, the prayers and support from our community. Special recognition goes to our lead sponsor, Windsor Federal Bank, for their continued support of this memorial event. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Suffield Police Department for their dedication to road safety throughout the race, the Suffield Fire Department for the beautiful display of our United States Flag, and the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association for their continued support. We would like to thank the Suffield IT Department for providing music through the airwaves. Our deepest appreciation to Eric Hamylak and his volunteers from the Suffield High School, you all rocked it!!!
We were extremely grateful for the charitable contributions provided to our runners by Suffield Village Market, including bananas and oranges for post-race refreshments. We would also like to thank Mark Sullivan for his donation of powdered energy drink mix for the participants.
We are proud to announce the winners of this year’s 5K, and 10K road race.
Photo by Karen Doyon
First Place Winners
OVERALL
Female overall 5K: Kate Brenia (23:54).Male overall 5K: Jon Kittredge (16:45)
NEW RECORD HOLDER
Female overall 10K: Natalie Crocker (40:38) Male overall 10K: Joe Decker (36:18)
UNDER AGE 20 GROUP
Female overall 5K: Emma Caproni (24:01) .Male overall 5K: Jackson Goings (17:08)
Female overall 10K: Elaina Matte (54:30). Male overall 10K: Miles Gackstetter (40:10)
AGE 21-35 GROUP
Female overall 5K: Angeline Driggers (26:17). Male overall 5K: Azmi Hawa (23:14)
Female overall 10K: Annette Doyon (42:39). Male overall 10K: Paulo Dias (37:28)
AGE 36 – 50 GROUP
Female overall 5K: Emily Cayton (24:38). Male overall 5K: Alexander LePage (21:50)
Female overall 5K: Carlin Fox (46:09). Male overall 5K: Tim Brodeur (39:50)
AGE 51-99 GROUP
Female overall 5K: Mary-Jane Hussey [Doyon] (27:42).Male overall 5K: Jason Neely (23:29)
Female overall 10K: Tracy Drozynski (50:20).Male overall 10K: Richard Tullock (48:27)