ONSF Holds 3rd Annual Play Strong Play Safe Family 5K & Expo
ONSF held its 3rd Annual Play Strong Play Safe Family 5K Run/Walk and Expo on Sunday, September 20, 2015. All ages and levels of athletic ability participated including elite runners, power walkers, joggers, student athletes, weekend warriors, fitness buffs and stroller joggers! Proceeds from the 5K Run/Walk benefit ONSF education and community outreach programs.
The sun and a light breeze welcomed athletes, volunteers and sponsors. The race, a USATF certified 5K course began at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center on Harding Road and headed south past the Innis Arden Club. At that point participants turned right onto Shore Road and continued for approximately a half mile then turned onto Sound Beach Avenue which is a straight away taking the runners into the town of Old Greenwich. The athletes proceeded through town passing the Old Greenwich Firehouse and local shops. On their way out of town, the athletes ran adjacent to Binney Park then turned right onto Forest Avenue to make their way to the finish line at the Civic Center. “The course was designed for all athletic abilities whether you are a serious runner or a power walker,” said Dr. Vadasdi, Co-chair of the event who is also an accomplished triathlete.
New this year was a pre-race group warm-up. The activity took place just prior to the start of the race and was directed by Alicia Hirscht, DPT. Athletes who participated were well prepared to compete thanks to the safe conditioning exercises demonstrated by Alicia.
A highlight of the day was the Health Expo located at the Civic Center where participants and their families were able to learn about safe training and injury prevention, running equipment and proper nutrition. The popular annual Kids 0.5 Mile Costume Run/Walk, organized by the Greenwich Track Club and Parks and Recreation Department, was eagerly enjoyed by approximately 60 participants. New attractions this year for the little ones was face painting and a kid’s obstacle course for our “future athletes.”
Many generous sponsors supported this year’s ONSF 5K including Greenwich Hospital, CHASE, Houlihan Lawrence, Granoff Architects, Camps Takajo and Tripp Lake, Jeep Chrysler Dodge City, Fairfield County Look, Greentree Toyota Danbury, Greenwich Running Company, Elite Health Services, Fleet Feet Stamford, Fieldpoint Private, Murtha Cullina Attorneys at Law, Edge Fitness Clubs, Town of Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation, United Way and others.
And many thanks to the student volunteers from Junior United Way, Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich and Greenwich Country Day School! Their valuable assistance contributed to the overall success of the 5K!
