Trish Labieniec, who is organizing Run Southwick, poses with Kevin Bishop and Joe Deedy, who are the founders of the two non-profits that Run Southwick will be donating the proceeds to. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
SOUTHWICK – – The 1ST Run Walk Southwick event will be taking place on Sunday at Whalley Park. The race starts at 11:30 a.m., with registration at 11 a.m. The races consist of a 1K kids run that costs $25. There is also a 2.5K walk for $30, a 5K run for $35, and a 10K run for $45.
Trish Labieniec, a Southwick resident who works for Nurse Anesthesia Professional Services is organizing the event, decided that she wanted to make an impact outside of her job.
“On the side, I felt like I wanted to do something to give back to the community,” said Labieniec.
A non-profit event, all of the proceeds that go to Run Walk Southwick will be going towards the two non-profit organizations that Labieniec has chosen to be included in this year’s event. The two organizations are the Southwick Civic Fund and Team Justice.
The Southwick Civic Fund, which was founded by Joe Deedy, is a non-profit that creates events which gives back to the communities of Southwick, Tolland, and Granville. Team Justice is an organization that helps mentor youth motocross riders and helps them stay drug and alcohol free, while helping them achieve their personal life goals. Kevin Bishop is the President of Team Justice.
There are a number of sponsors that have already committed to this year’s event which include Moolicious, Westfield River Brewery, Harvest Hill Photography, Chamberlain Construction, Nurse Anesthesia Professional Services, Full Plate Fitness, Dive Anesthesia, My Dopa Fit, and Jacquier Realty Group, which is a platinum sponsor.
According to Labieniec, vendors are still needed. Any interested vendors can go to the sponsor page on runsouthwick.com and click on the non-sponsor option in order to purchase the spot. Vendors have to bring their own tent, table, chairs, or anything they want to bring. The cost to be a vendor is $100.
Although online registration closes today, Labieniec pointed out that interested people can still register in person on Saturday, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Westfield River Brewery or on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., prior to the race. For those already registered, packets for the race, which include their bib and instructions for the race and where to park, can be picked up Saturday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Westfield River Brewery.
Labieniec says that 125 people have registered so far. Her goal was 200, but being the first year of the event, she’s satisfied with the number she’s at.
“I think for our very first event, it’s definitely not bad,” said Labieniec.
Labieniec also added that first and second place winners for both the 5k and 10k races will be rewarded with free entry for future events.
