Back to News Archive

Editorial — Sean’s Run grows in new decade
April 29, 2012

Originally Published by the Register Star:
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 12:06 PM EDT
As Sean’s Run races into another decade, each year it has another growth spurt. But even as it grows in size and offerings, the reason it was created is always at the core of the event, to increase awareness about the dangers of underage drinking and impaired driving.

While Sean’s Run celebrated its 10-year anniversary last year, this year’s race falls almost four months to the day after 17-year-old Chatham junior and athlete Sean French was killed in an alcohol-related car accident 10 years ago, on Jan. 1, 2002.

From that very first “unofficial” run just days after that fatal accident, the “official” race has grown into a weekend event, from exhibits to the Battle of the Belts championship to the Sea Jam’s Super Saturday run for special needs, added in 2010.

So what does Sean’s Run have to offer this year? A Sean’s Run Zumbathon! Zumba is one of the newest fitness crazes to come to America, with its Latin-inspired music and dance moves. Locally trained Zumba instructors Theresa Rossi, Tracyalison Ruggiero and Jackie Hutson will lead a two-hour Zumbathon, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, with music provided by DJ Terry Johnson.

All money raised from the Zumbathon will be donated to support driver’s education at Chatham High School. We think Zumba is a wonderful and clearly beneficial addition to the Sean’s Run weekend. And for signing up for the Zumbathon, you’re automatically entered into the 5K on Sunday — a real bonus for anyone who had already planned on running/walking.

While growth is essential for events that have lasted as long as Sean’s Run, it’s important to keep some of the things that have made it successful and unique, like the Battle of the Belts championship — which definitely has to set this race apart from other races — the scholarships for high school seniors and the grants for school groups, youth groups and regional organizations.

Sean’s Run is always striving to surpass the number of entrants each year. Could this be the year? You can help by signing up. You’re options are now: dropping off the form at First Niagara in Chatham, online registration or last minute sign-ups noon to 2 p.m. Saturday or 10-11:30 a.m. Sunday at Chatham High School.

To register or for a wealth of information on Sean’s Run, visit www.seansrun.com. There’s also a Sean’s Run Facebook page — check it out. See you at the starting line!

TOP

TOP