Trick or Trot 5K Run and Kids Dash benefit makes debut
More than 800 participants got into the Halloween spirit and joined the fun at the inaugural Trick or Trot 5K Run and Kids Dash at Markham Park in Sunrise.
Among the beneficiaries of this charitable event is the Florida Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America organization.
Triathlete coach and competitor Carla Moreno, of Plantation, captured the overall championship with a time of just under 20 minutes (18:50). She was followed in the order of finish by Jami Brayton (20:49) and Heather Hale (22:33).
The top overall male finisher was 15-year-old Taravella High School student Nicholas Caplette (19:03), followed by Manning Hauser (19:58) and Joseph Patrolia (20:04).
“I came out here for training as a coach for my triathlon athletes and as a competitor,” Moreno said. “I was surprised I won and I ran a personal best. This is an amazing and fun race.”
Paralyzed Veterans of America, which has been around for 61 years, is a nonprofit organization that looks to improve the lives of veterans with spinal cord injuries or other disabilities in order to achieve maximize health, productivity and self-esteem.
Mike Foster is a member of the Oakland Park branch of the organization. The Florida Chapter is one of 34 in the United Puerto Rico.
“We have been partners with the City of Sunrise for many years and have been involved with them for other functions,” Foster said. “We have developed a close relationship with Sunrise and are happy they invited us to be included in this fantastic event.”
City of Sunrise Deputy Leisure Services Director Kevin Pickard was on hand with his staff to coordinate and oversee the festivities.
“We’re excited to have (this event). We haven’t done anything like this as a city before,” Pickard said. “We looked forward to bringing out families to get a great start to the Halloween week and we have a lot of kids activities planned. We’re excited to get on board with the 5K.”
Being new to conducting a road race, no one was quite sure what to expect regarding attendance figures for the inaugural event.
“The numbers (800-plus participants) were beyond our expectations and we have Mayor Mike Ryan here addressing the crowd and running the race which makes for an exciting start,” Pickard said. “With Social Services, we assist Sunrise residents that are in need and we work closely with the local chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. This will have a positive impact on a lot of people out here.” States
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