Community Wins at East Haddam Road Race

There was a charge in the air at the Nathan Hale-Ray High School cafeteria as runners got pumped for the East Haddam Community Lions 12th Annual April Fools 5K and 10.5 mile race on Saturday. 

"You could feel the excitement in the room" as runners were checking in and registering for the event, said Dot Wocl, past president and current member of the Community Lions. "Not to mention, the weather this morning is great and that makes this event so much more fun."

Each year, this race draws a large number of runners as well as spectators. The number of registered runners this year reached over 200. This year, the runners ranged in age from 2 years to “80-something.”

The event is comprised of a 5K and 10.5 mile run that starts and ends at the Nathan Hale-Ray High School and loops through town. It is open to runners ages 8 and up. There is also a children’s race that takes place around the loop directly in front of the high school.

Xenia Coulter of Moodus was thrilled to have the opportunity to run the 5K with members of her family.

“I have run a lot in my life. This race is special because I am running it with my daughter, granddaughter, and her friend.” It is a “great community event that the Lions put on,” she says.

Jenifer Pulse of Colchester ran the 10.5 mile, her husband ran the 5K, and two of their children participated in the children’s race. Pulse was using the race as a training exercise for her upcoming participation in the Country Music Marathon and Half Marathon in Nashville.

Donna Swan, Community Lions member and “Lion of the Year,” helped direct the children’s race. “I love it,” she says, “kids today don’t get enough exercise and this is a great event to get them and their families involved.”

When asked how he felt about coming in first in the children’s race, Eric Kananowicz, age 7, of Colchester said “it felt really good."

Emma Peach,  17,  a senior at Nathan Hale Ray High School, participated in the 10.5 mile as part of her senior project. She's been a member of the cross-country team since freshman year.

“This is the furthest I have ever run competitively,” she says.

Event co-chairs Linda Lucas and Maryjane Malavasi were on hand directing runners, spectators and volunteers.

"The runners are fabulous and look forward to this event every year," said Malavasi. "The event has "really grown" over the years and "we work hard to ensure that it continues [to be successful]," she says.

Lucas says this "is one of our biggest fundraisers and we always have a great time."

Race registration began at 8:30 a.m. and the runners were off at 10 a.m. The event brought together runners from the local community as well as other towns.

Larry Hodge, his daughter Lauren, and Bill Varhue came from Middletown to participate. Hodge likes that this race has a longer option (the 10.5K) and is for charity.

“I was also just trying to beat my daughter,” he jokes.

The winner of the 5K was East Haddam high school senior, Alex Weselcouch, 17, with a time of 18:31. Second place honors went to Patric Mielt of East Haddam, 18, with a time of 19:25. Third place went to J-Sin Ryczek of East Haddam, 27, with a time of 19:33.

Eric Walters of East Haddam was surprised to bring home the first place title in the 10 mile with a time of 1:12:08. Cody Annino of East Haddam, 19, came in second at 1:14:41. Larry Hodge fulfilled his wish of to outrun his daughter and came in third at 1:15:42.

All proceeds from the event go to support the Community Lions’ charitable efforts. The Lions aid local needy families with fuel, food, holiday toys and medical expenses. The Lions also provide scholarships to graduating seniors and camperships for children with diabetes or cancer. For additional information, visit their website.