Whitehills 5K Nets Over $4200 for School

A sleek layer of muddy rainwater coats the path of the runners. Far ahead of the pack, a thick layer of sweat coats the face of Andrew Middleton as he makes a break for the finish line. His blue and white tank top, headband and shorts are a stark contrast to the otherwise casual attire of many fellow runners.

The finish line is 50 yards away as Middleton rounds the final corner onto Pebblebrook Lane. Jeffrey Lampi announces Middleton’s presence as he’s coming up on the school, and in an instant photographers and viewers spring up to meet him. Twenty yards from the line and no other runners have rounded the corner; it’s Middleton’s big moment as he crosses the line to thunderous applause, with a final time of 16 minutes and 20 seconds.

It was this moment on Aug. 25 that brought an end to Whitehills’ biggest annual 5K yet, preceded earlier by a Kids’ Fun Run. The neighborhood event celebrated its largest turnout over its four years, with almost 200 runners present for both races.

Amy Sayers, Joy Campbell and Angie Smith organized the two races to bring the Whitehills community together, regardless of age.

This literally brings the school out into the streets,” Campbell said. “There’s a lot of crossover between the school families and the families that just live in the neighborhood.”

This year’s sponsorships, from Foster Swift law firm and others, have totaled to $3900, enough to cover expenses for the races. Therefore, 100 percent of the proceeds generated from registrations – over $4200 -- go straight to Whitehills Elementary to help to cover the cost of fieldtrips, festivals, and other events.

“Without those sponsorships, we wouldn’t get nearly as much back to the school,” Campbell said.

Looking forward to the future, the directors have no plans to discontinue the races, and are already making plans to account for the planned demolition and reconstruction of Whitehills Elementary, which will overlap with the fifth scheduled 5K and Fun Run next year.

“It’s so cool to be involved with this school at this time in history,” Campbell said. “I think the 5K is a really neat way to connect all of these things together."