FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. Norwalk takes center stage on the running calendar this weekend with races Saturday and Sunday. Races are also scheduled in Greenwich and Fairfield, so runners can find events of various lengths within a short drive.
On Saturday, Norwalk Hospitals Whittingham Walk (3K) and Sallys Run (5K) are part of the Whttingham Cancer Centers annual community fundraiser. The Riverside Run (3 miles) begins at 8:30 a.m. in Greenwich, and the Dogwood Dash (1.7 miles) starts at 9 a.m. in Fairfield.
The longest event of the weekend is the Mothers Day 10K in Norwalk, beginning at 8 a.m. There is also a 5K Health Walk with proceeds benefitting the Norwalk Senior Center.
More information on each race is available by clicking on the link, if available.
There were 369 finishers in the Sallys Run 5K last year, led by Joey Farrington of Stratford. Kristin Mazzeo of Easton led the womens field.
The Riverside Run, in its 28th year, begins at Riverside School. The race has been particularly popular among Greenwich residents, who make up a majority of the runners. Last year's race had 474 runners and was won by Stamfords Anatolie Vartosu and New Canaans Sarah Endres.
There were 354 finishers in the Mothers Day 10K last year, where Bridgeports Wantuil Soza and Norwalks Julie Heaphy captured individual honors. In addition to overall top male and female finisher awards, the race includes age group awards, from 12 years old and under up to 70 years and older. Special awards will also be given to the first three mothers who finish the 10K race, as well as for the first police officer, firefighter and Lightfoot Running Club member to cross the finish line.
The race is in its 35th year, making it one of the longest-running events in Fairfield County. It also an increasingly unique distance, as most race organizers opt to attract more runners with shorter distances.
Next weekend, the RFR Realty 5KRun/Walk in Stamford is scheduled for May 17. The race benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford and begins at 7 p.m. on Stamford Town Center Drive.
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