WESTFIELD-Over the years, runners have taken to the streets on Jan. 1 to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield, and while Jan. 1, 2021 will be a “virtual race” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers are still confident that participants will sign up in memory of Gordon Bates.
“This race goes back to 1994 when Gordon Bates approached us and his involvement with the Empire One Running Club,” said Lerryn Godden, finance director, Boys and Girls Club. “The runners had an idea of doing a half marathon and would split the proceeds between the running club and the Boys and Girls Club.”
Gordy’s First Race is conducted in Westfield every Jan. 1 in memory of Gordon Bates who was an avid supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield. This year’s event will be a “virtual race” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER WESTFIELD PHOTO)
Godden added that over the years, while the running club members mapped the run and recruited runners, Boys and Girls Club staff members hosted the event and sought out sponsors so that a small gift could be given to each participant.
“By the late 1990s, the running club wanted the Boys and Girls Club to receive all of the proceeds,” said Godden, adding that more than $100,000 has been raised over the years for youth development programs.
“Gordon passed away in 2008 so the race was then named Gordy’s First Race in his memory,” said Godden. “Gordon had been the organizer every year and everyone knew him because of his bright orange hat.”
This past Jan. 1, 2020, runners raised $6,800 for the Boys and Girls Club.
“We are not sure how many people will participate in our virtual race but perhaps many people will want to put 2020 behind them and say this is a great way to start the new year,” said Godden.
Mike Sheldon, who has handled the overall logistics of the race for many years, shared a similar sentiment.
“I’m not a huge fan of a virtual race,” said Sheldon, adding, “One of the few advantages of this race is you can pick any day from Dec. 28 until Jan. 1 to participate.”
Local runners and walkers were lining up on Jan. 1, 2020 to participate in the annual Gordy’s First Race event. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Sheldon added that another plus for participating is that all proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club.
“Once you’ve registered, plan out your own 5k or 10k course wherever you choose, run, walk or jog, and then report your times back to us via email at [email protected],” said Sheldon.
The first 200 registered runners will receive a neck gaiter.
Participants can register via phone by texting BGCW to (833) 755-6550, online at https://go.dojiggy.io/gordy, or mail in the registration form found under the “Registration and Fees” tab at https://www.bgcwestfield.org/gordy.
Sheldon said because he has served as race director for several years, he hasn’t been able to actually run the race.
“This will be the first time I have run the race in many years,” said Sheldon, adding he is teaming up with longtime friend John Plata and both will run a 5k together.
“We will pick a good day and either run the race course that would have been done if we could have or the bike path,” said Sheldon.
Sheldon also thanked the Boys and Girls Club staff for their ongoing efforts to ensure Gordy’s First Race is a success, including Jesse Buckman, who serves as grants and marketing coordinator.
“Jesse has been instrumental in doing all of the work behind the scenes for the race, from online sign ups to the Facebook page,” said Sheldon. “He is very helpful and we appreciate his suggestions on how to market the race.”
Laura LaValley Morris has already signed up for Gordy’s First Race. Her first year running the annual race was in 2012. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Laura LaValley Morris of Southwick, a longtime runner and coordinator of the Run Your Health Group which helps people find free fun fitness in the community, will also be participating in the virtual race.
“I have already signed up for the 5k,” she said, adding in past years she has completed the 5k and 10k runs.
“This is a great way to give back to the community,” she said. “Gordy’s First Race is a great way to give back and step into good health for the first day of the year. I love this race.”
Members of the Run Your Health Group participated in the Jan. 1, 2020 Gordy’s First Race event. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
