'Go Far, Go Fast' Races Take Off In Durham

A record-breaking number of youths from District 13 schools participated in the "Go Far, Go Fast" races today at the Durham Fairgrounds.

Over 400 students of all ages registered for the event, which marked the culmination of a year’s worth of training. Patch's advance article can be found here:   .

Parent and volunteer Diana Hall explained that the "Go Far, Go Fast" program is a District 13 wellness initiative whose goal is for each student to run 26.2 miles during the school year. 

“This program was created to introduce running as a lifelong activity.  The youth train throughout the school year in PE classes and during recess.  Today is the culmination of that training and a celebration of their success in achieving health and fitness.”  

Event organizer Jennifer Schulten added, “The purpose of the event is to help youth find health and wellness in a fun way and to make running part of a lifetime of exercise.  We had approximately 350 youths pre-registered with about another 50 registering this morning, so this is a great turnout today.” 

Schulten added that the event could not happen without the support of District 13, its teachers, and the principals. 

“I want to make sure to thank our sponsors and the Durham Fairgrounds Committee for letting us host the races here -- without them we could not have had such a wonderful event.  Really, the entire Middlefield and Durham community came together to support these kids.”  

PE teachers Jen Holland and Alex Edwards echoed the positive effects of the program on the students. 

“I’ve seen my students improve their overall performance in the Connecticut Physical Fitness Test since this program started”, Schulten said.

Edwards noted, “I've noticed that the kids have more enthusiasm for PE because they are proud of what they are accomplishing.  They enjoy earning the rewards throughout the school year.” 

Both teachers and others donated their time to support the event.  

"I wouldn't be anywhere else," Schulten said. 

Lindsey Litka, a 4th-grader at Korn Elementary School, had just completed a race when she breathlessly exclaimed, “I feel really good and I’m so glad to be part of this!” 

Aaron Faiella, 8, from Brewster Elementary School, was proud to share that he came in first in his age group. 

“When I passed the finish line I just knew I had come in first!  I was so excited,”  he said.

Kate Schulten, 11, from Memorial Middle School, said, “I’ve been running my whole life.  It’s part of what my family does and who I am.  I really enjoy it.” 

Kate’s friend Brittany Hall added, “I love to run!  I can’t stop running once I start.” 

Fifty to 60 adult volunteers contributed their time to support the event, including Robin Reynolds, a trainer from Core Club, a fitness facility in Durham. 

“I’m here today as a supporter and as a sponsor.  I was asked to help kick off the event with the opening warm-ups for all of the runners.  You can’t believe the energy and the enthusiasm from these young people!  It would be wonderful if Middletown could do something like this.” 

Robin’s son Dylan, 6, is a student in the Middletown Public Schools.  

Becky Finery, a parent and member of the organizing committee, said, “This is a terrific community event that gets kids moving.  It’s a celebration of a year-long effort in our schools.”   

Winners received trophies for placing first, second or third in their age and gender groups, and all runners received a commemorative badge for their participation.  

Sponsors were TD Bank, Core Club, Zaida & Rigali Orthodontix, the Durham & Middlefield Wellness Council, Durham Exchange Club, the Durham Women’s Club, Durham Pharmacy, Carmine’s Pizza, Calcagni Associates, Alana Adams, Delia Realtors, Durham Family Chiropractic, Fine Work Home Improvement, Cogninchaug Soccer Club, Hans Peterson Construction, Xpect Discounts, Lino’s Market, Perk On Main, Glazer Dental, the Durham Fair Association, Academy for Little Learners, Durham Fitness, Carmen Ciarcia Acupuncture, Connecticut Sign, First Investor’s Corporation, Jennifer Schulten Photography, Kenneth Jay Landscaping, Larkin’s Run, Stafford Marine Service, Powerhold, and VMB Custom Home Builders.