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Karen Hagen and Anne Santa-Maria will be the first to admit they are novices as race directors. Fortunately for the Weston women, the race committee and community support for the
Weston Memorial Day Weekend 5K Road Race have helped them tie together all the loose ends that go along with the town's largest sports event.
"What has made this job so good for Anne and me is the committee," Hagen said. "We have a lot of support from our sponsors, too,'' Santa-Maria added. "It's well-supported by the community."
The 18th annual edition of the race takes off from the starting line Saturday at 8:30 a.m. There is a kids fun run at 8 a.m. The race offers cash prizes, awards and refreshments, and the first 500 runners to register receive goody bags and t-shirts. The race also features chip timing, and the course is certified by U.S.A. Track and Field.
The race kicks off perhaps the busiest weekend of the year for the Weston community. There is also the carnival and a fair. "The race ties into the whole weekend,'' Santa-Maria said. "It's a really nice time to have it."
There were 639 finishers last year. Anatolie Vartosu of Stamford won the men's race, while Easton's Meredith Anand won the women's race. A large percentage of the entrants are from Weston.
Many of the high school's sports teams encourage their athletes to participate. Members of the school's track teams also assist in organizing the race, which supports the Weston High School PTO. There are awards for first-place finishers from each Weston school, the first teacher, the first varsity sports team member and the first-place club member for men and women.
"It's a lot of work, but it's fun,'' Hagen said. "It's exciting to see all the parts leading up to it. I think it helps that Anne and I work well together. We've had a good time doing it."
Conditions were perfect for last year's race, and a similar forecast is in store for Saturday. Runners can pre-register Thursday and Friday night at the high school from 3-6 p.m. Complete information is available on the race website.
Do you plan to race in the 5K Saturday in Weston? Start the discussion below!
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