The runners toughed through intense heat, feeling like 108 degrees at times, in order to finish the 5K.
SOUTHWICK- The first ever 5k Farm Run was hosted in Southwick Saturday evening off of Congamond Road with an estimated 60 runners taking part to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
The run was organized by Amy Starr, who said she did it in part because of her respect for servicemembers
“I did this because I love running, I love our military members, and I love beer,” said Starr.
Starr mentioned her love for beer because at the end of the run all of the runners were encouraged to go to Whalley Park on Powdermill Road for food, vendors, a photo booth, fireworks later that night, and a beer garden. Each runner also received a voucher for one beer at Skyline Trading Co.
Amy Starr (left) and Erin Anderson stood at the finish line and handed out water bottles to runners as they finished the race. (Photo by Peter Currier)
While the run was still in the planning stages, there was a real chance that it would have ended up being cancelled. That was until Starr received support from the One Call Away Foundation, a charity for local veterans that also provides assistance to those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Their partnership allowed the benefit run to go forward.
“The sense of community that went out to this is immaculate,” said Starr.
Each runner paid a registration fee of $40 to participate. The proceeds all went to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps fund programs that benefit wounded members of the military.
Starr said that about 80 people said they would take part in the run while an estimated 60 actually arrived. She said the intense heat on Saturday may have deterred some people. The average temperature throughout the day Saturday was near 100 degrees, with the humidity making it feel like 108 degrees. There was water available at cooling stations throughout the course.
