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Sean’s Run running OUR VIEW: Sean’s Run — 10 years running Sean’s Run: A RACE THAT CHANGES LIVES Sean’s Run Scholarship Winners Announced Berkshire Artist/Poet Supports Sean’s Run Sean’s Run Brings Safety Tree to Columbia and Greene Counties First Niagara Awards Sean’s Run Grants First Niagara Bank and Sean’s Run Offering Grants Sean’s Run Committee Sets 2011 Date, Elects Officers Sean’s Run numbers up this year in entries and volunteers Over 700 compete in 9th Sean’s Run 5K Editorial — Sean’s Run just keeps on growing |
Sean’s Run 2012 Sponsors Announced New this year as a top sponsor is Northeast Pest Control of Troy, the company underwriting the cost of special gifts given to the first 350 participants who pick up packets on Saturday, April 28th, the day before the event. Hawthorne Valley Association has increased their sponsorship level this year to the Gold Medal status. CarrieAnn Bowker of Chatham and Madison Handbags have signed on as a Silver Medal Sponsor this year. Four new Blue Ribbon sponsors have been added including Eileen and Lee French of Rotterdam, Girvin & Ferlazzo P.C. of Albany, Propsera Financial Services from Parsippany, NJ and Rich and Sally Kraham of Chatham. Sean’s Run Committee Sets 2012 Date, Elects Officers The committee set the weekend of April 28 & 29, 2012 as the dates for the next Sean’s Run and also reported 1,320 entrants in the 10th Sean’s Run this past May 1st. Participants of all ages, including runners and walkers, came from throughout Columbia County and the capital region. Total entries have more than tripled in the past four years. The Register Star and Chatham Courier are Media Sponsors of Sean’s Run. The Committee reported that Chuck Terry, 28, of Albany repeated as 5K Champion (16:11) and Betsy Edinger, 17, of Greenwich won the women’s 5K division (19:45). The one mile youth race, Meghan’s Mile, saw Erin Clark, 12, of Old Chatham win the girls race (6:34) and Chase Werner, 12, of Stuyvesant set a new course record in 5:51. An elite-level performance and new 60-69 men’s age group record was produced on the 5K course by Bob Giambalvo, 61, from Delhi with a time to 18:41. The 13-15 age group records were smashed in both gender divisions by Ross Wightman, 15, Chatham (17:49) and Madeline Montage, 15, Greenwich (20:31). A well received feature, a short race for children with special needs conducted on the Saturday before the 5K and Meghan’s Mile, will be continued in 2012. Results, photos and a complete listing of entrants are posted here. Pine Plains Stissing Mt. High School won the title of World Champions in the Battle of the Belts that included 12 high school teams and 7 middle school groups competing for bragging rights in the seatbelt buckling contest. The event’s Prevention Education Expo had an increase in the numbers of visitors and exhibitors. 14 grants were awarded to schools and youth groups to implement programs that combat underage drinking and teens’ lax use of seatbelts. Also Sean’s Run awarded 6 scholarships to outstanding college-bound seniors. The Committee reports having earned and given away $150,950 as scholarships to graduating seniors and as grants to schools and youth groups since the event’s inception in 2002. Officers for the ensuing year include Jeff French, General Chairman, Carol Goold, Vice Chair, Joanne Doyle and Tammi Menegio serving as Co-Treasurers, Mark French as Secretary and Kelsey Frederick as Student Liaison from Chatham High School. Kyle Schmidt, Ryan Behrens and Emily Kinnicutt have left the Committee upon graduation from CHS this past June. Each was recognized for their service in helping to produce Sean’s Run in the past. Sean’s Run running strong 10 years later CHATHAM — In the last decade, the number of persons injured or killed in drinking-and-driving accidents in Columbia County has been reduced by 50 percent, Carol Gould, vice chairwoman of Sean’s Run, said Sunday prior to Sean’s Run. “Almost every place else in New York has risen by as much as we’ve declined,” she said. “We’re doing something right.” The first Sean’s Run was conducted in April 2002, four months after Chatham High School junior and dedicated runner Sean French died in a New Year’s Eve crash in which alcohol and unbuckled seat belts played their parts. So it’s no accident that the race comes shortly before prom and graduation. This year, more than 1,300 people registered, a little bit less than last year’s 1,462, despite what Mark French, Sean’s dad and the secretary of the organizing committee, called “the best weather we’ve ever had.” It was an event-packed weekend, starting with Saturday’s Sea Jem’s Run for kids with special needs. French said 18 special needs persons, from 5 to 24, ran 100 yards, with each of them getting a medal. Battle of the Belts All groups interviewed said the hardest part was the seat belt getting stuck when you’re trying to pull it out. “The seat belts lock when you’re trying to do them fast,” said Pine Plains junior Bryant Rosato. “Once you release it and run around, it gets tangled up for the next person,” said a senior from Mohanesen High. “We had to practice that the most.” Overall winners were Raw Dogs from Pine Plains, clocking in at 36.68 for the high school division and Lynch Lightning from Amsterdam with a time of 41.50 for the junior high school division. The Chatham team N/A-Never Abuse won Loudest Cheering Section for the junior high school division. Meghan’s Mile The one-mile race is for boys and girls 12 and under. Erin Clark of Old Chatham was the winning girl at 6:33. Chase Werner of Stuyvesant was the runaway winner for boys with a time of 5:51. “It was easy,” the 12 year old said. “This is my fourth year in Sean’s Run.” He also runs the 800-meter and 1500-meter races on Ichabod Crane’s modified track team and plays soccer, baseball and basketball. Eight-year-old Betty Gibbs of Rhinebeck said, “It was really, really hot,” as she cooled off with some water. Twins Lana and Archie Messinger of Spencertown, both 6-1/2, both ran the race. “It was easy,” Archie said. They kept themselves cool with water. “They gave us cups, we threw it on our heads.” Both twins were aware of what Sean’s Run is all about. “He died,” Lana said. “Car crash,” said Archie. “Never drink alcohol in the car,” said Lana. “Never take your seat belt off,” said Archie. 5K Run/Walk Tony Avenia of Chatham was running it for the first time. “I’m a fitness buff, but not a runner,” he said. His daughter, Meghan, 13, was running it for the second time and his son, Nicholas, 11, ran in Meghan’s Mile. “It’s such a good event,” Avenia said. “It’s a great reason to be living in this area.” Hundreds of people then filled the large starting area. Chuck Terry of Albany won for the second year in a row, coming in with no one at his heels at 16:11. “I was a little bit slower this year,” he said. “It was a little hotter. Last year, it was overcast with a little rain. It was easier, your body stays cool all the time.” The champion said he’s not a big fan of the course. “It goes up and down,” he said. “I like the third part, through the town, but the first and second miles are hilly.” Terry coaches at Hudson Valley Community College and brought five or six of his runners with him. Two of them, Eric Young and Dave Degon, placed third and fourth, respectively, so Hudson Valley accounted for three of the top four finishers. Betsy Edinger of Greenwich was the top woman finisher, with a time of 19:45. Kathy Case of Albany, who came in at 26:50, called it “an awesome run, a little hot.” She recently moved here from Central New York and was “very impressed” with the race. She, her husband and her son all ran. Chatham High graduate Greg Linton came up from Brooklyn to run in Sean’s Run for the first time. He finished 66th with a time of 21:49. “I liked the course,” he said. “A lot of hills — makes it more challenging.” He said the only thing he didn’t like was the double-back on Pond Hill. CHS track team hurdler Gabe Franck, who ran the course in 24 minutes, called Pond Hill “heartbreak hill.” “I started out ahead, but died off on the hill,” he said. But he said it’s a good course. His mother, artist Mary Ann Davis, also competed, coming in at 32:22. She said Gabe had to sign a four-page document to attend the prom saying that he wouldn’t drink or drive with anyone who had been drinking. “I’ve got to hand it to the French family,” she said. “This has taken on a life of its own.” Coming in 55th out of 771 competitors, with a time of 21:05, was Robert Sansaricq. Sansaricq, who is autistic, ran Sean’s Run as his first competitive race a year ago, coming in at 25:37. He ran a number of races over last summer and continued training with his father, Ralph, throughout the winter. Ralph was hoping his son would break 20 minutes, but he settled for coming in 4.5 minutes ahead of 2010. “He was very brave,” Ralph Sansaricq said. “He competed. You’re competing against high school and college kids — he was holding his own.” Awards, Grants, Speeches The Outstanding Cross-Country runner went to Edinger and to Kevin Terbush of Burnt Hills High, Saratoga County. The Columbia County Love of Running Awards went to Cailey Nieto of Chatham High and Max Ocean of Hawthorne Valley High. The Chatham High Respect for All Awards went to Mylessa Sweet and Ryan Behrens. Chatham Mayor Tom Curran said he was “impressed by this organization and the job they do educating youth about substance abuse.” Chatham Central School District Superintendent Cheryl Nuciforo said, “The whole community is coming together to give a strong message to young people.” Roger Coleman, publisher of Hudson-Catskill Newspapers, called Sean’s Run “one of the finest community events I’ve seen in 35 years of publishing” and predicted it would be around for years to come. David Cutler is the first vice-president of First Niagara Bank, which has been the presenting sponsor for the past six years. “I can’t tell you how proud I am,” he said. “It’s a great cause and we hope to be a presenting sponsor for years to come.” With that, he handed Chairman Jeff French a check made out to Sean’s Run for $10,000. Finally, $500 grants were presented to Students Against Drunk Driving chapters and similar groups at Averill Park, Berlin, Chatham high and middle schools, Mohanesen, Pine Plains/Stissing Mountain, Hoosick Falls, Hudson City Youth Department, the Peer Leadership Club in Lynch, Schodack/Castleton, Remove Intoxicated Drivers in Schenectady, Choices 301 in Albany and the Marathon Project in Dutchess County.
OUR VIEW: Sean’s Run — 10 years running What started out as simply a memorial run for 17-year-old Chatham High School student Sean French, who died in a drunk driving accident on Jan. 1, 2002, has become a successful community event — 10 years running. The first year started with just a 5K race, attracting more than 1,000 participants and raising $40,000, which was equally contributed to the Sean Patrick French Scholarship Fund and the family of Ian Moore, who was paralyzed in the same accident. The scholarship fund now awards six to 10 scholarships annually to seniors throughout the Capital Region. In the past 10 years, 74 seniors have been awarded and this year saw the highest number of applications to date from CHS seniors. The first run also initiated the first-ever Chatham Middle School SADD chapter, which joined the already established CHS SADD chapter. Year two added a Prevention Education Expo. In year three, the committee created the Sean’s Run website, which has become a valuable resource for the community at large. In year five, Sean’s Run added the World Championship Battle of the Belts seat belt contest for high school students, which has grown to include middle school students and youth and service organizations throughout the Capital Region. Preliminary winners meet up at Sean’s Run to compete in the World Championship. This event has become a highly anticipated event each year. The seventh year, the committee dedicated a race for youth 12 and younger (dubbed Meghan’s Mile in year eight) to Meghan Kraham, a 16 year old who helped organize the first Sean’s Run. She died on Aug. 18, 2008 at age 22 after battling a rare form of cancer. This same year, the Chatham Courier and Register-Star proudly became sponsors of Sean’s Run. Last year, Sean’s Run became a two-day event when the committee added the first-ever Sea Jam’s Super Saturday Run for special needs kids. This race will be back again this year. New this year, Sean’s Run was the catalyst for creating a partnership with Taconic Driving School, Remove Intoxicated Drivers-USA, Columbia Memorial Hospital, Columbia County Stop DWI and Twin County Recovery Services to establish the Columbia-Greene Safety Tree Living Billboard, which stands outside the emergency entrance of CMH and is decorated with white lights. For every alcohol-related traffic fatality in Columbia and Greene counties, each light will be replaced with a red bulb. The unveiling and lighting was April 1, exactly one month before Sean’s Run. So how could the 10th year be any better? How about exceeding the anticipated 1,500 participants. The first 1,500 to register receive a free commemorative Sean’s Run T-shirt — how’s that for incentive? Be the 1,501st registrant to make this 10th year a running success.
Sean’s Run: A RACE THAT CHANGES LIVES After a tough, icy winter running season that has tested the endurance of many, runners in Columbia County and all over the Capital Region are enjoying the milder conditions in the early spring, and looking forward to the race that has become its highlight, Sean’s Run in Chatham. The 5K race will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year on Sunday, May 1, but over the years the run has expanded into a two-day affair with multiple events. Saturday, April 30 starts with packet pickup and registration at the Chatham High School from 2-4pm, and Sea Jem’s Super Saturday Run for Special Needs Kids at 3pm. The festivities begin on Sunday at 10am with a Prevention Education Expo, and include the World Championship Battle of the Seat Belts at 12 noon, Meghan’s Mile youth race at 12:30pm, and the 5K Run and Community Walk at 1pm.
Sean was involved in cross-country and track and field events in the Chatham Central School District, and he is well known for running a mile in 4:18 as a sophomore in the Section II State Meet qualifying race in 2001, unusual for such a young runner, and that time is on everyone’s race bib at Sean’s Run. In the midst of their grief, Sean’s family, friends, and schoolmates found many opportunities for positive change. Sean’s Law was enacted, requiring the immediate suspension of a license upon the arrest of a 16- or 17-year-old on drunken driving charges. In its fi rst nine years, Sean’s Run has raised and given away $138,050 to support youth programs and scholarships. Youth groups from around the region use Sean’s Run grants to combat underage drinking and encourage teenagers to always wear seatbelts.College scholarships have been awarded to 68 high school seniors.
Front runners at the start of the 2010 5K. Among all the other races that populate the calendar, Sean’s Run is a must. When the merits of various races are discussed, and runners decide which races they will compete in, “We have to do Sean’s Run!” is a common statement. In addition to the strong messages behind the race, the run is very fun. The course includes two turnarounds that give participants the chance to see and cheer on other runners that are in front or behind them, a hill that can take your breath away, and extensive post race refreshments.
Amsterdam High School students compete in the The race is ideal for a family with children that coulduse some education on the dangers of alcohol. Sean’s Run is also an occasion for homecoming, with many of the participants that grew up in the area, but moved away in adulthood, choosing the Sean’s Run weekend as the time to return. Last year, I was reunited with a high school friend, James Hogan, who now lives in Brooklyn. On New Years Day 2010 he decided to start running, with Sean’s Run chosen for his first race. I have never seen James more joyful as he ran the race alongside some of his oldest and dearest friends. Sean French’s family running tradition continues. Many of Sean’s family members run and walk in the race and serve on the board of directors. His cousin Matthew Forys of New York City, the Sean’s Run course record holder with a time of 15:18, just qualifi ed for the marathon Olympic trials in January 2012. Matthew did this by running a 1:04:56 at the NYC Half- Marathon in March.
Having Fun at Sean's Run! So many of us have had our lives affected by alcohol abuse. But it is our decision to either despair, or learn and grow from hardship and tragedy. Sean’s Run is a wonderful example of how one life ended much too quickly has touched and helped improve the lives of thousands. Julie Keating (julie.keating6@gmail.com) has been a runner for 12 years. She and her husband live in Kinderhook, and she works in finance at NYS Dept. of Labor. Julie is a member of the Kinderhook Runners Club who enjoys writing and staying in motion. Sean’s Run Scholarship Winners Announced March 31, 2011 – Six high school seniors, including four from Columbia County, have been selected as recipients of Sean Patrick French Memorial Scholarships. The scholarship fund, administered by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, was established from a portion of the proceeds raised during the inaugural Sean’s Run in 2002 and continues to be supported by donations from the family and friends of Sean French. In the past ten years 74 deserving seniors have been awarded scholarships from the fund. A five-person selection panel convened by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation reviewed the applications and determined the recipients. The two scholarships from the Sean Patrick French Memorial Scholarship Fund reserved for Chatham High School students will be awarded to Melyssa Sweet and Ryan Behrens. This scholarship rewards community service and demonstrated compassion for all people. Each will receive $1,000. This year saw the highest number of applications to-date from Chatham High School seniors for this scholarship. Awardees of the Love of Running Scholarships include Cailey Nieto from Chatham HS and Max Ocean from Hawthorne Valley HS. Students from Columbia County who have run on Cross Country or Track and Field teams were invited to apply. Each applicant was required to submit an essay describing how their high school experience on their Cross Country or Track & Field team has prepared them for the challenges of college. The applications were accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the student’s running coach. Each will be awarded $500. The two Good Sports Scholarships that are awarded to Cross Country runners from Section II are going to Betsy Edinger of Greenwich HS and Kevin Terbush of Burnt Hills HS. Each XC runner who is selected by a panel of Section II Cross Country Coaches as a Section II Good Sportsmanship Awardee is invited to apply. Applicants were asked to describe two specific incidences that demonstrate their good sportsmanship during the Cross Country season. Each will be awarded $500. All six scholarship winners will be recognized during the opening ceremony of Sean’s Run, on Sunday, April 25th. Information about the scholarship is available by clicking here.
Berkshire Artist/Poet Supports Sean’s Run March 28 - Berkshire watercolor artist/ poet and runner Tom Warner has again created a painting for Sean’s Run. First Niagara Bank is Presenting Sponsor and the Register Star and Chatham Courier are media sponsors of Sean’s Run. The special watercolor for the tenth annual event is titled “Running With Sean”. The painting will be one of two grand prizes in the Sean’s Run Raffle with all the proceeds going to support grants and scholarships awarded by the event. The painting is a rendition of a household cork bulletin board displaying running items related to the artist’s first few times he met Sean and his family. Raffle tickets at $1.00 each are available at First Niagara Bank, Chatham branch. “The painting is about the first time I met Sean at a race in Philmont that was organized by his uncle, Jeff French. Then a couple of years later we met again at the Old Chatham 5K road race. It also depicts how we remember him today through Sean’s Run.” Warner explains. Tom’s work has been published on American Galley Greatest American Painters http://americangallery.wordpress.com/2010/03/06/tom-warner-1959/ This years painting is on display at First Niagara Bank in Chatham until Sean’s Run on May 1st. A small limited edition of Giclee Prints of this painting “Running With Sean” can seen and purchased at www.tomwarnerwatercolors.com
Sean’s Run Brings Safety Tree to March 13 - Sean’s Run is the impetus behind the creation of a new partnership of local organizations whose aim is to reduce the numbers of lives lost in Columbia and Greene Counties because of impaired and drunk driving. Sean’s Run is joining forces with the Taconic Driving School, Remove Intoxicated Drivers—USA, Columbia Memorial Hospital, Columbia County Stop DWI and Twin County Recovery Services to establish the Columbia-Greene Safety Tree Living Billboard in Hudson. The living billboard, a Blue Spruce evergreen, is now planted near the entrance of the Emergency Room of Columbia Memorial Hospital. The unveiling and inaugural lighting of The Safety Tree Living Billboard will be on Friday, April 1st at 5 PM. This is one month prior to the 10th Annual Sean’s Run which is scheduled for Sunday, May 1st at Chatham High School. Over 1,500 participants are anticipated in the 5K run/community walk and Meghan’s Mile youth race. The white lights on The Safety Tree Living Billboard will remain lit every day of the year, signifying that no drunk driving fatalities have occurred in Columbia and Greene Counties since the Safety Tree was planted. It is the sponsors’ hope that the tree remains lit solely by white lights for years to come. However, if an unfortunate alcohol-involved traffic fatality does occur in the twin counties, one of the tree’s white lights will be replaced with a red light bulb to memorialize the individual whose life was lost. This living, permanent billboard will remind the public that drinking and driving is still a major menace to life and health. In years to come people can look at the tree and see how safe drivers have been in Columbia and Greene Counties. Last fall the blue spruce was donated and planted by Callander’s Nursery of Chatham on the sloping lawn near the Emergency Room entrance of Columbia Memorial Hospital. A special marker was designed and installed by Cantelle’s Memorials on a rock provided by A. Colarusso and Son and placed near the tree. Carol Gould, the Vice-Chair of Sean’s Run, and her husband David Gould, purchased the lights for the tree. The accounting firm of Pattison, Koskey, Howe, and Bucci, CPAS, PC will host the reception. The public is invited. Reservations can be made by contacting Phil Abitabile 828 1250 or phila50@yahoo.com. In February 2008, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of RID-USA, Doris Aiken, founder and president of RID-US initiated the original Safety Tree Living Billboard. In partnership with Ellis Hospital, the first-ever Safety Tree Living Billboard was planted on the grounds of Ellis Hospital on the corner of Nott Street and Rosa Road in Schenectady. Sean’s Run began as a community’s response to the loss of life resulting from an underage drunk driving car crash and was first conceived by Chatham High School students. A few minutes after midnight on January 1, 2002, Sean Patrick French and two other 17-year old passengers accepted a ride from their 17-year-old schoolmate. The driver had been drinking. A few minutes later the vehicle crashed; one occupant, Ian Moore was paralyzed and Sean French was killed. The driver, it was later poignantly revealed, had also been arrested for drunk driving just 18 days before the deadly crash. This tragedy prompted Senator Steven Saland to sponsor the legislation that became known as Sean’s Law which allows for the immediate suspension of a minor’s drivers license following their DWI arrest. The Senator’s bill passed unanimously in both the Senate and the Assembly. Governor George E. Pataki signed the Bill into law during a public ceremony at Chatham High School on September 30, 2002. First Niagara Awards Sean’s Run Grants Chatham, February 2 - First Niagara Bank and the organizers of Sean’s Run will award $500 grants to 14 groups, including schools, youth groups and regional organizations, to implement programs designed to combat underage drinking, impaired driving and teens’ lax use of seatbelts. The schools and youth groups will use their funding to implement the Battle of the Belts, a fun and fast moving activity designed by the Sean’s Run Organizing Committee to increase teens’ use of seatbelts. First Niagara Bank is the Presenting Sponsor of Sean’s Run, an annual community run/walk to be held at Chatham High School on Sunday, May 1st. The event’s organizing committee is preparing for 1,500 participants in the 5K and 1 Mile events. The Register Star and Chatham Courier are Media Sponsors of Sean’s Run. The money raised at Sean’s Run from sponsorships, contributions and participant entry fees is invested in programs at schools and youth organizations selected through a competitive application process. Schools and youth groups had until December 1st to apply for the funding. Tom Amell, Eastern Region President of First Niagara Bank, in announcing the grants stated, “First Niagara is proud to be closely aligned with Sean’s Run for a number of reasons. First and foremost, we believe that this outstanding effort is absolutely having a positive impact in our community and we are very confident that because of this effort, lives are being saved. We are equally proud to align First Niagara with the French family and proud that they are having such a meaningful influence in our community.” Car crashes, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are the leading cause of death for teens. The statistics are alarming - in 2009, eight teens ages 16 to 19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries. The Center for Injury Research and Prevention has found that nearly 2/3 of those who perish were not using safety belts. Per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Alcohol consumption greatly increases the likelihood that teens will forego use of seatbelts; nearly three out of every four teen drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes after drinking and driving were not wearing a seat belt. (CDC) Those awarded grants include: In Columbia County – Hudson City Department of Youth, Chatham High and Chatham Middle Schools. In Rensselaer County – Averill Park, Berlin, and Hoosick Falls High Schools and the Schodack/Castleton Community Partnership. In Schenectady County – Mohonasen High School. In Dutchess County – Pine Plains Stissing Mountain High School and the Dutchess County Council on Addition Prevention and Education. In Montgomery County – Lynch Literacy Academy and Fonda-Fultonville High School. In addition, $500 grants will be awarded to two regional organizations dedicated to combating underage drinking and impaired driving. These include Remove Intoxicated Drivers (RID) of Schenectady County and Choices 301 of Albany County. Jeff French, Chairman of Sean’s Run, said “First Niagara’s sponsorship makes this grant making program possible. Thanks to their generosity we can offer the funding to encourage schools and youth groups to implement the Battle of the Belts as an innovative activity to reduce the number of teens who fail to use their seatbelts.” Over the past eight years, Sean’s Run has awarded 98 grants to schools and youth groups. In addition to the 5K and 1 Mile run/walk, the 10th Annual Sean’s Run will include a Prevention Educational Expo, a Tribute to Victims and Survivors of drunken driving, and the World Championship Battle of the Belts interscholastic seatbelt bucking contest. Also, on Saturday, April 30th, the Committee will host the second annual Sea Jem’s Super Saturday Run for Special Needs Kids, a group run for children living with developmental and physical disabilities. Sean’s Run and the grants program were established in response to the tragic death of Sean Patrick French, the 17-year old Chatham High School junior, honor roll student, community volunteer and record-setting athlete who was killed on January 1, 2002, as a passenger on a drunk-driving car crash. More information is available at the website www.SeansRun.com or by calling Jeff French at 672-4757.
Chatham, January 12, 2011: First Niagara Bank has signed on to continue its designation as “Presenting Sponsor” of Sean’s Run for 2011. This will be the 10th running of the event scheduled for Sunday, May 1st in Chatham. The bank is joined by a group of other businesses and individuals also committed to sponsoring Sean’s Run, one of the largest run/walk events in the region, attracting 1,462 entrants last year. In addition to becoming a classic athletic event in the region, Sean’s Run has become the area’s perennial spring-time reminder about the pervasive problems of underage drinking, impaired driving and teenagers’ lax use of seatbelts.
First Niagara Bank and Sean’s Run Offering Grants School groups and youth organizations such as Scouts, 4-H, church groups and sports teams, may apply for up to $500 each to implement a Battle of the Belts seatbelt buckling contest and send teams to participate in the World Championship Battle of the Belts at the 10th Annual Sean’s Run next May 1st at Chatham High School. Instructions for youth groups and schools to submit a one-page application are available at www.SeansRun.com. Applications are due by December 1, 2010. First Niagara is the Presenting Sponsor of Sean’s Run, an annual event that focuses on the problems of underage drinking, impaired driving and teens’ lax use of seat belts. Last spring the event attracted 1,462 participants in the 5K and Meghan’s Mile. 24 schools and youth groups participated in the World Championship Battle of the Belts. Sean’s Run also includes a tribute to victims and survivors of drunk driving and a Prevention Education Expo. Sean’s Run became a two-day event in 2010 and the first run/walk in the region to offer a special component for kids with disabilities, dubbed “Sea Jem’s Super Saturday Run for Kids with Special Needs.” 22 young people with various disabilities participated. $138,050 has been contributed as grants and scholarships by Sean’s Run over the past 9 years thanks to generous sponsors and contributors. 100 programs that encourage safe driving have received grants from Sean’s Run and 68 college bound high school seniors have been awarded scholarships since the first event in 2002. Jeff French, Chairman of Sean’s Run, said “Thanks to First Niagara we are able to again offer this opportunity and innovative approach to reduce the number of teens who fail to use their seatbelts.” The Battle of the Belts seatbelt buckling contest involves teams of four teens who run to a 4-door car and quickly get into their seats. They all buckle up, raise their hands in the air and a Referee shouts "Rotate!" They unbuckle, get out, run clockwise to the next seat, get in, and buckle up again. The team with the fastest time, after the 4th buckle, is declared the winner. There are awards for the fastest teams, for teams with the loudest cheering sections, best t-shirts and best team names. Sean’s Run was founded in 2002 following the tragic death of Sean Patrick French, a 17-year old Chatham High School junior, honor roll student, community volunteer and record-setting athlete who was killed on January 1, 2002, as a passenger on a drunk-driving car crash. This tragedy prompted the enactment of Sean’s Law on January 1, 2003 that requires the suspension of a license upon the first arrest of a 16 or 17 year old on drunken driving charges. Sean’s Run Committee Sets 2011 Date, Elects Officers May 15, 2010 - The Organizing Committee of the annual Sean’s Run Presented by First Niagara Bank recently conducted their annual meeting, reported accomplishments and elected their officers responsible for leading the group’s work in planning and producing the 10th Annual Sean’s Run next spring at Chatham High School. The committee set the weekend of April 30 and May 1, 2011 as the dates for the next Sean’s Run and also reported a record 1,462 entrants in the 9th Sean’s Run this past April. . Participants of all ages, including runners and walkers, came from throughout Columbia County and the capital region. Total entries have more than tripled in the past four years A well received new feature, a short race for children with special needs that was conducted on the Saturday before the 5K and Meghan’s Mile, will be continued in 2011. Results, photos and a complete listing of entrants are posted at www.SeansRun.com. The Committee reports having earned and given away $138,550 as scholarships to graduating seniors and as grants to schools and youth groups since the event’s inception in 2002. Officers for the ensuing year include Jeff French, General Chairman, Carol Goold, Vice Chair, Joanne Doyle and Tammi Menegio serving as Co-Treasurers, Mark French as Secretary and Kelsey Frederick and Kyle Schmidt as Student Liaisons from Chatham High School. Jenna Frederick, who is graduating from CHS and will be leaving the Organizing Committee, was recognized for her service in helping to produce Sean’s Run for the past three years.
Sean’s Run numbers up this year in entries and volunteers Originally Published in the Chatham Courier: James Boedin of Millerton took second place in the 5k with a time of 16:48 and Dave Vona of Valatie placed third with a time of 16:56. Emma Gryner of Craryville was the first female to cross the finish line with a time of 21:05. According to Sean’s Run General Chairman Jeff French, the nearly constant drizzle that wet the ground Sunday did nothing to hinder the race or the turnout, with 1,462 entrants — almost 100 more than last year — and many more coming out to show their support. Race Secretary and Sean’s father, Mark, agreed. “Our focus on this is not the front, the best and the fastest,” he said. “Our goal is to do something the community can really get involved in.” With Sean’s Run growing nearly 300 percent in the past four years, the community has really gotten involved, with everyone from teachers and students to alumni and local residents racing and donating their time to help with the event. “I do this in the spirit of Sean,” said Chatham Middle School science teacher and runner Jason Kahn. “He was a good kid and we all miss him. I think this would be better if he was here.” High School teacher and event volunteer Virginia Nightingale agreed. “I do it because I remember Sean fondly,” she said, “and because I think it’s an important event to teach people about drunk driving.” Not only did people from all over the community come out, but the event attracted people from all over New York, as well as Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Pennsylvania and even Florida. According to Mark French, what really touched him was the amount of volunteers who offered their support. “Overall, I’m very impressed with how many volunteers we had from the community,” he remarked. “It’s great that a lot of people came from other places, but they wouldn’t come if we didn’t have a great community organization.” More than 60 First Niagara Bank employees volunteered on Saturday and Sunday, as well as another 75 individuals from the community, including many students and graduates of the Chatham school district. More than 250 kids up to age 13 participated in the youth race, Meghan’s Mile, with first place going to Drew McAuley, 12, of Schenectady, with a record setting time of 6:12. Second and third place went to Chase Werner, 11, and Christopher Palladin, 13, respectively. Philmont’s Samantha Taylor placed first in the female division (fifth overall) with a time of 6:50. Aside from the races, Sean’s Run is also home to the world championships of an unusual, but educational event called Battle of the Belts, which helps teach children of all ages the importance of wearing a seat belt at all times. The competition involved teams of four sprinting to van, buckling their seat belts and raising their hands when finished. Once everyone on the team had raised their hands and was inspected by a Chatham Police officer, they performed a Chinese fire drill three times until all four members of the team had been buckled and inspected in all four seats. This year’s Battle of the Belts high school champions were Fonda-Fultonville High School with their team, “J.Rad,” in first, Berlin High School with their team, “Team Buckleup,” in second and The Marathon Project with their team, “The Marathoners,” in third. Chatham Middle School teams “The Bucklin’ Babes” and “The Fruitful Belt Ninjas” came in first and second, respectively, in the junior high age group. Lynch Literacy Academy from Amsterdam took third place with their team, “The Mad Bucklers.” In addition to the annual 5k race, Battle of the Belts and Megan’s Mile, this year, Sean’s Run added another event, Sea Jem’s Super Saturday Run for Special Needs Kids. In this event, nearly 20 kids with a variety of special needs ran a shorter race around the high school parking lot, receiving the same T-shirts as the contestants in Sean’s Run, as well as various medals and ribbons. According to Mark French, many people who saw the event said it was really the highlight of the weekend for them. He added that he has been told that Sean’s Run is the first ever road race to attach an event for kids with special needs. Despite the rain Sunday, the wet weather seemed to encourage many of the runners, with several saying how the cooler air was much better than last year’s 90 degree temps, making it easier for them to run the course and get better times. Volunteers and runners alike had various reasons for attending this year’s Sean’s Run, with groups ranging from Chatham alumni high school cheerleaders, who just wanted to prove they could run a good race, to semi-professional running groups like the Kinderhook Runner’s Club, who boasted more than 30 members and supported the race on several different levels. Volunteers manning the various anti-drunk driving booths saw the even as a good opportunity to help educate the community. Others, like Gary Tuthill, see the race in a different light. Tuthill, who began running with coworkers to lose weight, looked at the race as something he could finally do for a good cause. The Chatham resident, who is a member of the Chatham Fire Department and volunteer with the Chatham Rescue Squad, said that he frequently sees drunk driving accidents and fatalities in the course of his work, so he was glad to be able to help out the Sean’s Run cause. “Quite honestly I hate to run,” he said. “It was really just contributing [to the cause.]” Even Superintendent Cheryl Nuciforo made an appearance at the event. “I think it’s a good issue to focus on, especially this time of the year,” she said. “It’s important for the whole community to come together.” Doris Aiken, president of RID, USA, was one of the many people who made use of the event to try and teach people about the dangers of both alcohol abuse and drunk driving. “I do it because of the tragedy,” she said, “but I also do it because a drunk driver can also be an alcoholic.” She added that RID is about stopping alcohol-related injuries and fatalities of any kind. One such initiative that may soon come to Columbia County is called the Safety Tree. A pine tree is planted and decorated with white lights and every time there is an alcohol-related death, one of the lights turns red, creating a visual of just how dangerous alcohol and drinking and driving can be. Overall, Mark French and all the volunteers considered the event to be a huge success, citing not only the education and the memories of Sean, but the sense of coming together as a community every year for Sean’s Run. “A lot of people consider Sean’s Run mandatory because it is such a positive community event,” said Julie Keating, director of the Kinderhook Runner’s club. “This run is really like a homecoming opportunity to come back and be with family and friends.” Over 700 compete in 9th Sean’s Run 5K Originally Published in the Register Star: CHATHAM — Bad weather didn’t prevent runners from making the trip to Chatham on Sunday to participate in the ninth annual Sean’s Run event as over 778 participants from throughout New York State, as well as Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Florida competed. Chuck Terry of Albany took first place overall with a time of 15:58 in the 5K while Craryville’s Emma Gryner was the first female to cross the finish line at 21:05. Also Sunday, the annual Sean’s Rune Meghan’s Mile was held for children up to age 12 and Schenectady’s Drew McAuley took the top prize with a time of 6:12 while Philmont’s Samantha Taylor placed first for the female runners (fifth overall) with a time of 6:50. There were 255 runners that crossed the finish line in the mile race. “Despite the weather, numbers were up,” stated race coordinator Mark French, noting that official participation increased from 1,371 to 1,462 this year. “We added the special needs race this year, which was the highlight for a lot of people, and we are working on some things for next year since it will be our 10th anniversary. We are hoping to make it even more special than it has been these past nine years.” The special needs race was held Saturday. Proceeds from Sean’s Run are used to combat underage drinking and impaired driving. Sean’s Run Recap Originally published in the Times Union This post was written by guest blogger Julie Keating who attended the race yesterday. Battle of the Belts at Sean's Run Over the years the race has also become an occasion for homecoming, when those that have moved out of the area for work or other reasons reunite with friends and family. James Hogan of Brooklyn is pictured with Mary Maguire of Tivoli. These friends for over 20 years going back to their days at Ichabod Crane High School in Valatie decided to run the 5K course together, and finished in times of 28:40 and 28:41. This was James’ first ever race. He decided to make a New Year’s resolution for 2010 to run a 5K, and chose Sean’s Run for his debut, training primarily on a treadmill. This is just one example of how Sean’s Run has been a tool for positive change in the lives of those that participate. Of all the races held in this region throughout the year, this race is the only one that I have heard runners say is a must on their calendars: “We have to do Sean’s!” Editorial — Sean’s Run just keeps on growing Originally Published in the Register Star: Nine years later and Sean’s Run is not only still going, it’s growing. In addition to all of the events and scholarship opportunities that Sean’s Run has provided, this year they’ve added yet another special feature. Dubbed the “Sea Jem’s Super Saturday Run for Special Needs Kids,” the organizers have produced a new race specially designed for special needs kids. The event on April 24 is sponsored by Boston-based seafood wholesaler Sea Jem. There are several reasons why this race was designed (and you can read about them on page A2), but maybe the most important ones are that Sean French demonstrated a special compassion for children with disabilities and also because his friend, Ian Moore, became a paraplegic as a result of the car crash Jan. 1, 2002 that claimed the life of 17-year-old Sean. Sean’s father, Mark, who volunteered to lead the Organizing Committee’s effort to start this new feature, said, “That’s what makes the success of this new feature personally important.” This new feature is just one more dimension to the annual race that has grown beyond leaps and bounds since the first one in April 2002. The first one attracted more than 1,000 participants. The Sean Patrick French Scholarship Fund was created, which now awards six to 10 scholarships annually to seniors through the Capital Region. In the second year, the event added the Prevention Education Expo. In the third year, the Committee created the Sean’s Run Web site. In the fourth year, Sean’s Run helped introduce the regional “Parents Who Host, Lost the Most” campaign. In the fifth year, the World Championship Battle of the Belts seat belt contest was added — an event equally as exciting as Sean’s Run. Prior to prom season each year, high schools, middle schools and youth organizations throughout the region hold preliminary “buckle-up” battles; Chatham has added additional awards, such as Best Team T-Shirt or Best Team Name. The final competition is held at Sean’s Run. A special Tribute to Victims and Survivors of impaired driving and crashes was also added in 2006. Chip Timing, which allows times to be posted within minutes of the finish of the 5K, was introduced in the sixth year. In 2008, the Committee dedicated Sean’s Run to Meghan Kraham. At 16, she helped organize the first Sean’s Run. After battling a rare form of cancer for six months, she died on Aug. 18, 2008. Last year, the eighth year, saw the highest turnout of participants (hopefully to be surpassed this year). The Organizing Committee also renamed Sean’s Mile, the 1-mile youth race, Meghan’s Mile. While Sean’s Run is a fun and generous event, we must remember why it was created — to raise awareness about the problems of underage drinking and impaired driving, as well as seat belt use. Note: Registration costs vary depending on the date. For online registration: before April 17, adults, 18 and over, are $18, $23 after; youth 6-17, $10 before, $15 after. Cost for families is $45 before April 17 and $50 after; children 5 and under are always free. To register by mail by April 19, go to the Web site, www.seansrun.com, where you can print the form and access the mailing address. You can also drop off your registration, by April 23, at First Niagara Bank in Chatham (times listed on the Web site). If you miss all of these dates, you can register the weekend of the event at the Chatham High School, 2-4 p.m. April 24 and 10-11:30 a.m. April 25. Sean’s Run encourages everyone to come out Sunday, April 25 for the event. Its growth is partly due to all of its supporters. Good luck participants and organizers.
Sean’s Run Again Celebrates Youth and Life Spring is a time filled with the anticipation of wonderful things to come. For high school students it’s the anticipation of upcoming proms, summer vacations, and graduations. But for us, spring means another Sean’s Run is on its way! Scheduled purposefully in the middle of prom season, Sean’s Run is more than an annual event for runners and walkers - it’s a reminder that a moment’s bad judgment can result in tragedy. Underage drinking, impaired driving, or failure to use seatbelts can take the lives of our children. The 9th Annual Sean’s Run will take place at Chatham High School over the weekend of April 24 and 25. On Saturday April 24th, the Sean’s Run organizing committee will present the first ever Sea Jem’s Super Saturday Run for Special Needs Kids and offer packet pick-up and walk up registration for participants in the 5K and Meghan’s Mile which will be produced on the following day. On Sunday, April 25th, the 9th Annual 5K Run/Walk, Meghan’s Mile youth race, the Battle of the Belts World Championship, the Prevention Education Expo, the Tribute to Victims and Survivors of Drunk Driving will be conducted. All the activities of Sean’s Run are as annual reminders that drunk driving crashes - like the one on January 1, 2002 that claimed the life of Sean Patrick French - are preventable when communities work together. At the time of his death, Sean was a champion runner, honor role student, and community volunteer. The crash also paralyzed his friend Ian Moore. The two juniors were passengers in a car driven by an intoxicated schoolmate. Sean and Ian were not wearing seat belts. Thanks to your support, Sean’s Run has raised $135,550 that has funded prevention programs at schools and youth organizations and rewarded outstanding high school students with scholarships. It is only right that a footrace memorializes Sean’s life. From age seven until his death at 17, Sean compiled an astounding list of running accomplishments and became one of the finest local high school athletes of his generation. As a sophomore, he placed second in the New York State Public High School cross-country championships and the following spring ran the fastest metric mile of any sophomore in the State – 4:18! That spring, at age 16, he took four firsts at both the Section II and the Patroon Conference championship track meets. That would be his final track and field season. Sean Patrick French, age 17, fall 2001, cross country meet at Olana Historic Site. More extraordinary, though, were his “non-running” attributes. A Sports Illustrated article, published three months after his death, described Sean as “selfless,” “gracious,” “caring,” “hard-working” - a “young goodwill ambassador who led by example in Chatham, in the running community, and beyond.” The article noted that, “When 3,000 people attend the funeral services of a 17-year old, it is evidence that a community has lost someone recognized as very special.” But Sean’s Run is more than a remembrance of one teen’s life, it is a community rising to say that losses like this are unacceptable. Sean’s Run says “Never again.” It is a reminder that underage drinking is no harmless rite of passage, but rather a dangerous flirtation with disaster. Once again, First Niagara Bank has graciously stepped forward to sponsor Sean’s Run by contributing $10,000 to the event. “Sean’s Run, the Battle of the Belts and all the other related activities of this event are a great way to reach young people”, said Thomas Amell, First Niagara Regional President. “First Niagara is the Presenting Sponsor of Sean’s Run because we believe that investing in the safety of our teens makes good sense.” We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, April 26, 2010! Be one of the 1,500 runners and walkers who will come together to celebrate Spring, remember one very special young man, and say “Never again.” Bring your running shoes and your smiles! |
A 5K race is usually a quick and lighthearted competition, with the relatively short distance giving the runners the opportunity to go “all out” and work on their speed. But, of course, Sean’s Run is much more than this. It’s a time to commemorate Sean French, the young man and talented runner, who lost his life on January 1, 2002 at the age of 17 as a passenger in a drunken driving car crash. Another passenger, 17-year-old Ian Moore, suffered paralyzing injuries. Neither was using seat belts. The driver, also 17, had been arrested for drunken driving 18 days prior to the fatal crash.
