8th Annual Madison 5K Run a Growing Hit

On a beautiful Sunday, the Madison Education Foundation held its 8th annual Madison 5K, a run/walk benefit to help fund grants for the five borough schools.

The event was a hit, as an overwhelming amount of participants showed up at to take part in a great cause.

“This is the best turnout we’ve ever had,” said Bonnie Meyer, chairwoman of the event. “We had over 500 registrants, the biggest turnout ever, and it’s our first year that our foundation has gone from grades K-12.”

“In the past we were just a high school foundation,” Meyer said. “We’ve had a great showing from the junior school and all of the elementary schools coming, and I think that’s why we had such a great turnout this year. A perfect day, everything went really well.”

Madison High School Principal Greg Robertson reflected on the impact that the MEF has had for the district's schools over that time.

“This is my seventh year running in this event,” said Robertson, who sliced more than a minute off of his time on Sunday. “It’s been spectacular watching the event grow and the amount of money that they raise for the school. And now that they’re raising it for K-12, it’s really just a special event that we are all very grateful for."

In addition to the 5K race, dozens of youngsters participated on the high school track in the “Kids’ Fun Run” 100-yard dash, where all finishers  received a medal.

“The word is getting around town that this is an event to support and participate in and it’s pretty cool,” said Madison resident Dan Dattilo, who ran the race with his son, James. “[James] ran the three miles without stopping, and he’s pretty proud. And he beat his dad at the finish.”