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KATONAH, N.Y. — Bright and early Saturday morning, dedicated runners will be on their marks for the Katonah 5K Road and Trail Race.
Sponsored by the Katonah Chamber of Commerce and the Bedford Hills Chamber of Commerce, the race donates the proceeds from runners' entry fees to a different charitable cause each year. This year's charity theme is “Runners for Reading,” and the money will go to the Katonah Village Library and the Bedford Hills Free Library, both of which have suffered budget cuts.
Organizing fundraising events for the library takes “a lot of effort and time to accomplish, so we were delighted when this was offered,” said Rhoda Gushue, director of the Bedford Hills Free Library.
The race's 3.1 mile rolling, scenic route begins at Katonah Elementary School, meanders through the hamlet's quaint side streets, then heads into the Katonah Memorial Park trails and finally back to the school.
In addition to the 5K, the event will have races for youngsters who may not be able to handle all 5 kilometers: the one-miler for ages 7 through 12 and a race around the elementary school's driveway loop for ages 3 to 6.
Last year the race began at the park, said organizer and veteran marathoner Bettina Sementilli, who owns Cross Sport Woman in Katonah. While this year’s route is a bit different, she said, it is still a good mix of roads and trails. "Trails are really nice, because they're a little softer on your legs and feet," she said.
Annie Bai, a lawyer and runner from Bedford Hills, served as the race's co-organizer this year along with Frank Greene and Mike Bernadino. Sementilli who helped sponsor the race last year, met Bai at a running clinic she offers through her store. Bai, at the time, was a novice runner but quickly became hooked.
“Everything we do costs more money every year, and each year we’re working with less,” Gushue said.
Tying into the theme of supporting libraries and young readers, runners are also encouraged to bring a gently used book on Saturday to donate to the Open Door Family Medical Centers' early literacy program, "Reach Out and Read."
The cost is $25 to register online or in person at Cross Sport Woman. Entry will be $30 on the day of the race. Advance registration closes at 9 p.m. Friday.
Comments (3)
Thanks for your interest in our local race! However, some clarification is warranted. Regarding the proceeds for the race, the determination of earmarking the proceeds for both libraries was decided on simultaneously and not because Annie stepped in and added Bedford Hills Library.
Lastly, I was not a co-organizer of the Katonah 5K last year, but merely one of their top sponsors. Frank Greene, Mike Berardino and Anne Hanley were the organizers last year. Frank and Mke decided to come on board again this year as co-organizers with Annie and myself.
Many thanks to our Race Director Annie Bai without whom there would be no K5K this year, and her spirit guide Bettina for her constant inspiration. Of course Mike Berardino remains the man for whom everything is doable, though optional.
Its amazing and heartening how many people volunteer their time and resources for community events. The Leatherman's Loop group and the Church Tavern race organizers freely offer their websites, their sound system, their tent. A million thanks to Rob, Tony, Brian, and all of our volunteers.
Now if those thunderstorms will just stay in the afternoon where they are forecast!
Thank you for your coverage of our event, but your article is inaccurate on two points. The proceeds of the Katonah 5K were never "earmarked" for the Katonah Village Library before the Bedford Hills Free LIbrary was invited to join as a beneficiary. Last year's race proceeds were donated to the Katonah Memorial Park and when we began planning for this year's event, there was no designated charity beneficiary. After some brainstorming, the organizers settled upon the theme of "Runners for Reading." It was my suggestion to donate our race proceeds to the two local libraries because, as a local resident, I had been hearing of their plight in the past year. It was Bettina's idea to have a book drive. The two libraries were jointly invited and it has been a successful partnership, with the Bedford Hills Chamber of Commerce playing a vital role in supporting our endeavor.
Moreover, the Tots' Races will no longer be held on the KES driveway, but on Huntville Road.
I was not interviewed for this article, although I am the Race Director of the event. We look forward to some fun running this Saturday!