Hats and gloves were appropriate attire on a chilly Saturday morning as 350 participants gathered at the corner of Euclid and Maryland for the start of the 2nd Annual CWEA 5K Run/Walk. CWEA Board Member Arthur Culbert, with the help of many neighborhood volunteers and businesses, made the second 5k run even more successful than the inaugural event last year. Neighborhood businesses were enlisted to support the race (see list at end of post), who in turn worked together to offer participants much more than just the scheduled run. The night before the race, fifty-five runners enjoyed a complimentary dinner donated by the Pasta House and hosted by the neighborhood's Rosati-Kain High School. Following the race, volunteers Karen Gifford and Jan Kasalko walked boxes of pizza from Pi on McPherson to Bar Italia on Maryland Plaza which opened early for an after-race brunch.
The event had special meaning for 130 Washington University participants as the run was dedicated to junior Gabby Reuveni, a member of the 2011 NCAA Division III National Championship Women's Cross Country Team. Gabby was fatally struck last July as she was running near her home in Palmyra Township, PA. Part of the funds raised by the CWEA 5k Run are earmarked for a scholarship fund established in Gabby's name.
I spotted CWEnders Mary and Bob Dunn with their four children (new baby Agnes is in her father's arms), as they were visiting with runners Anne and Chris Sommers before the 9:00 a.m. start of the race.
As I posted each of these pictures I was taken by how happy everyone looks, including neighbors Denise King and Mike Mullen, Nos. 2972 & No. 2971, who were running their first race. Should we start each day with a 5k run?
Before blowing the starting whistle Arthur Culbert, above, thanked the participants and explained that the proceeds from the race will benefit local food pantries at Trinity Episcopal Church and Second Presbyterian Church–and the aforementioned scholarship fund at WU.
The Central West End Association is grateful for the generous support of the event by this impressive list of local sponsors that includes: St. Louis College of Pharmacy, Pi Pizzaria, BJH Health Care, Bar Italia, Fifth Third Bank, Green Bean, Lemon Spalon, Libby's, Mahler Ballroom, Mike's Bikes, Mira Digital Publishing, Pasta House Company, Paul Mitchell The School, Philip Johnson Salon Spa, Premier Appraisal Group, Rosati-Kain High School, Sante Fitness and Wellness, and St. Louis Chess Club.
See you at the starting line next year?