Shine On 5K run is Sunday at Lewis Mills

BURLINGTON >> The 7th annual Shine On 5k will be held on Sunday, May 21 at Lewis Mills High School. The 3.1 mile run and walk benefits the Karen DuCotey Fund for Kids, an immediate response fund operated by the Main Street Community Foundation, supporting students and families in Region 10 schools. Since the first event in 2011, the Shine On 5K has raised more than $40,000 for the DuCotey Fund for Kids benefitting children and families in Region 10 schools. Due to success from past races, the Karen DuCotey Fund for Kids granted more than $1,400 to families in need from Region 10 last year. This year, more than $1,700 is available for those in need. Proceeds from the race also support The Karen DuCotey Memorial Award which is given annually to a college bound Lewis Mills senior interested in becoming an elementary educator.

The event honors the memory of Karen DuCotey, who taught at Lake Garda Elementary School after growing up in Burlington and attending Region 10 schools herself. She was a resident of Torrington. The schedule this year is new, with earlier start times for each race based on feedback from our participants. Check in and day of registration begins at 9:30am. Runners and walkers can register today online at www.myburlingtonrec.com, clicking on Activities and selecting Shine On 5k from Special Events.

There is no fee to register online. Applications can also be printed at www.shineon5k.com, and mailed to the Burlington Parks and Rec. Participants should register prior to May 1 to guarantee they will receive a cotton race t-shirt.

The Shine On 5k is a family centered event with activities and fun for the whole family, including a DJ from Veigas Entertainment; popcorn and cotton candy machines provided by True Value of Litchfield; a bounce house; and two different kid’s fun runs. At 10:40 there will be a 1 mile fun run for kids 13 and under. The top three finishers in the 1 mile run will receive medals and gift certificates.

The USATF certified 5K run and walk begins at 11 a.m. Overall 5k winners (both male and female) receive cash prizes; the first male and female finishers that are teachers receive prizes as well, and the top three male and female finishers in each age group will receive medals. After the finish of the 5k, a free event, the “Dolphin Dash”, a ¼ mile fun run for kids 8 and under. It is a favorite for many parents and spectators each year to watch the kids run their fastest around the school’s track to earn a superstar medal and treats from Ben & Jerry’s.

Other local businesses that support the event include KC Dubliner, Burlington Insurance Agency, Miller Fuel, and Andrews Perry Construction. Torrington, CT sponsors include DuCotey Brothers Landscaping, and Torrington Savings Bank.

Additional information, including mail in registration forms can be found at www.shineon5k.com. Contact shineon5k@gmail.com with any questions.