With so many wonderful events throughout the district, it’s hard to pick a favorite. But as a unifying experience, the Running of the Bears 5K Walk and Run stands out. Since students in the Vestal High School Varsity Club were inspired to coordinate the race for the first time five years ago, it has grown in significance. In addition to being a wonderful fundraiser for those united against Prader-Willi Syndrome, it brings together people throughout the district. Teachers and students, elementary and secondary staff, children and parents, community members and other friends all came together on April 8 to support one another in a challenging 5K, enjoy some good food and raise money for a great cause.
Over 250 walkers and runners participated, raising over $6,700 for Team Hopefull, a local non-profit organization funding research and support services for people affected by Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Top finishers included Vestal High School junior Luke DeHart, who set a new course record of 17 minutes, 17 seconds. Coming in second in the 5K run was Caspar Magacs, last year’s winner. Third was J.P. Sacco, a Vestal High School sophomore. The women's first-place runner was Colleen Magacs with a time of 21:07. And the first Running Bears’ walker to cross the finish line was VHS ninth-grader Catherine Deskur.
The other heroes were all of the wonderful local businesses who sponsored this event. We would like to thank The Ale House; Basha’s Lebanese Grill; Best Bagels in Town; Broome Bituminous; Budget Fence; Columbian Financial Group; Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP; Davidson, Fox & Company, LLP; Dick’s Sporting Goods; Frosty Joe’s; Dr. Parker Gennett of Foot Care Centers; Hatala Orthodontics; Jonathan’s Fine Food & Spirits; Kampai Japanese Steakhouse; Kelli’s Too; Lampy’s Mediterranean Grill; Lickity Split Ice Cream Shoppe; Meier Supply Co., Inc; NBT Bank; Nick’s Pizza & Restaurant; Nirchi’s Pizza; Old Union Hotel; Organic Yoga; Pete’s Legacy Diner; Price Chopper; P.S. Restaurant; Road ID; Savitch Insurance Agency, Inc; Schaffer Darpino Flooring; Spiedie & Rib Pit; Subway; Sweet Frog; Synergy Athletics; Tony’s Italian Grill; Vestal Dental; Vestal High School PTO; Vestal Volunteer Emergency Squad and Visions Federal Credit Union!