BUNNELL TEACHERS AND STAFF RUN VIRTUAL VICKI SOTO 5K
STRATFORD — Since Stratford native Victoria Soto’s death in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, a 5K race named in her honor has seen huge numbers gather every fall to raise money for the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund.
This year, going forward with the big event was impossible due to the coronavirus pandemic. But like many other road races, organizers offered a virtual option — and more than 1,500 signed up to run the race last week.
About 20 staff and family members of Bunnell High School gathered to run 3.1 miles around the school’s campus Saturday — socially distanced and with masks on — on the day the road race would have happened.
“There are several people in the building who run the Soto race every year,” Assistant Principal Frank Tatto said. “We wanted to honor the idea of Victoria’s memory. People were game, so we’re here.”
“I think her advice today would be to have fun with an abundance of love,” Tatto said of Soto. “And that’s kind of the spirit that we didn’t want to let completely go despite the circumstances. Certainly we plan on being back at it next year in full force.”
Before the start, Tatto read a message from the race’s organizers that referenced Soto’s favorite animal, the flamingo: “Your support means everything to us, especially this year. We are heartbroken not to be together but know you will be flamazing as you run and walk around the campus.”
Spanish Teacher Jose Burguillos was the first to cross the finish line, with a time of 21: 45.
More pictures from other participants can be seen on the Facebook page for the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund, which distributes scholarships to future teachers and supports other literacy and education initiatives.