Final Harwood Summer Fun Run attracts a crowd

August 24, 2023  |  By John Kerrigan 

Final Kids Fun Run participants are ready for their race as No.539 sizes up the competition. Courtesy photo

Harwood Cross Country hosted their last Fun Run of the summer on Tuesday and dozens of athletes turned out for the Kids Fun Run and the 3K and 5K races. 

Members of the Harwood Cross Country team attended to run alongside and yell support to the athletes and to help pace younger participants along the wooded trails. 

The weather was spectacular with temperatures in the high 50s with a cool breeze. Mother Nature has not been very kind to us on Fun Run days this summer with thunderstorms and blazing hot and humid conditions for most of our Tuesday night runs. 

The event took place alongside fall sports practices making it a busy night on the school grounds. 

Times were not kept for the Kids Fun Run. Youngsters ages 2 and up ran two laps on the front field. Harwood XC Co-Coach Tom Cahalan explained: “We had to modify the trail for the kids fun run since soccer has started. We did not want to take the chance that a kid would get pummeled with a stray soccer ball.”  

Parents and high school runners cheer on the youngsters. Courtesy photo

As the pint-sized runners completed their first lap, parents and spectators formed a wall to form a “wave.” There was lots of energy, smiles and laughter as the parents helped to put “fun” in the Fun Run. 

In the 5K trail run, Alison Misonis of Waterbury was the top female finisher with a time of 21:51. Andrew Reid of Middlesex was the top male and overall finisher in 21:43.

A fleeting but special moment as 3-year-old River Senterfitt high fives a competitor. Courtesy photo

The 3K trail race was a battle for the ages. Chase Dabrowski of Waterbury, age 64, was first. Lois Hayworth, age 6, also of Waterbury Center was a close second. 

The members of the Harwood Cross Country team would like to thank all of those who turned out for the Fun Runs this summer. The funds raised will support the team trip to Belfast, Maine, for the Maine Festival of Champions on Sept. 30.  

John Kerrigan is head coach of the Harwood Cross Country team.