It was a rare spring-like morning on Saturday, March 29 at Lake Pocotopaug in East Hampton. Temperatures approached the fifties and a beautiful sunrise rose above the lake as over 300 runners, walkers, supporters and volunteers converged at Sears park to celebrate the life of Karen Pfaffenbach and participate in the inaugural Running With Scissors 5K run/2 mile walk.
Opening Ceremonies
The runners and walkers all converged at the starting line just before 10:00. Drs Justin Lunbye and Heather Swales from the Hospital of Central Connecticut spoke . Then the Golden Girls, Cory Ucci, Joanne Pagliughi, Dorothy Winch, Monica Turning, and Karen Moore spoke. This group of Karen’s friends organized this event in her memory to support women’s heart health. Then members of Karen’s family said an emotional thank you to the assembled group and presented the organizers with a check.
Then it was time for Karen’s husband George and son Kenny to start the race, and off they went.
Fast Five K
157 runners completed the 5K course, running around the lake, going uphill for the first half, and then turning around heading for the finish line, downhill all the way.
Awards were presented to the first three overall finishers, all of whom turned in fast times. The first male finisher was Luke Shane (17:36) of Glastonbury, followed by Matt Rolaff (18:26) of East Hampton and John Moyer (19:17) of Higganum.
The top three women were Mary-Alex Zickefood (21:45) from Andover, Jackie Keefer (22:27) of Manchester, and 12 year old Emily Sienna (22:57) from Moodus. Complete results available here.
Walkers and More
In addition to those who ran the race, over 100 walkers completed the two mile course. On top of this, many showed up to volunteer and to cheer on the runners.
The event raised a sizeable donation for the Women’s Heart Health Center.
All in all, the event was hugely successful and everyone is now talking about the 2015 race. Photos coming soon.
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