Runners and walkers pause for the National Anthem while getting ready to race in last year's inaugural 5K.
DERBY – Runners and walkers alike are preparing to lace up their sneakers for the Storm Ambulance Corps’ second annual 5K on July 9.
The Ambulance Driver 5K is on course to make its return to BAD SONS Brewery, promising family fun and friendly competition, according to race director David Lenart, a former Derby fire chief.
“The inaugural race was so good that we brought it back for another,” Lenart said.
Last year’s 5K, which was held in part to celebrate Storms’ 75th anniversary and to double as a fundraiser for Storms, drew more than 350 participants, according to Lenart. Here’s a video from YouTube of last year’s race.
As of July 3, more than 300 people have already signed up online.
Lenart said the 5K turned into exactly what organizers envisioned, a community event that saw families come together, neighbors cheering on the runners from their front yards and local businesses supporting the cause.
“It’s everything we hoped for,” Lenart said. “We had a great time last year, and we’re looking forward to another amazing race day.”
The inaugural race raised $10,000 for the ambulance corps, Lenart said. The corps was able to purchase some life-saving equipment, including a rope system, called an Arizona vortex, to aid in challenging rescues where an ambulance can’t get to, like if someone falls down a steep embankment.
This year’s race, like last year, will feature a looped course that will start and finish on Park Avenue behind BAD SONS, the event’s host and main sponsor, located at 251 Roosevelt Dr.
There are some new things this year, too.
A kids’ “fun run” race, free of charge thanks to Storm Engine Co. No. 2 as the sponsor, will kick off the main event at 6 p.m. The kids’ race will be a half-mile, and is open to kids 12 and under. Participating kids will receive finisher medals and fire safety swag bag.
Another new feature is geared to support a local nonprofit, the Gavin Connery Foundation. Gavin was the first-born son to Derby couple Neil and Cynthia Connery, who they lost to Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, or CDH, when Gavin was just a little over two months old.
Lenart said 5K participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit Gavin’s Gifts, which will be distributed to children hospitalized during the holidays.
“We thought it was a good idea to partner with a local charity, and as much as we’re doing the 5K for the ambulance corps, this is another way for us to give back to the community,” Lenart said.
As for the main event, the 5K will begin at 7 p.m. and be held rain or shine. Registration is still open and will be until race day. Those interested can sign up online here.
Storm Ambulance Corps member Tavon Simpson runs in last year's inaugural 5K.
Along the course, Lenart said runners and walkers will find water stations along the way, a sprinkler station, well-wishers cheering them on and a giant flag hung atop one of the fire department trucks near the start (and finish) line.
Awards will be handed out to the top finisher, as well as the overall top first responder, and top responder by group. An after-race party will take place at BAD SONS. As an added perk, after the race, runners age 21 and older will receive a free draft beer, courtesy of BAD SONS. The first 250 runners who registered will also receive 10 free wings, courtesy of the Dew Drop Inn.
“We want to thank BAD SONS and Dew Drop because they are great community partners and have always stepped up to help,” Lenart said.
Lenart thanked additional sponsors Maria’s Hair Gallery, The Quail & Ale Neighborhood Pub, Cross Country Mortgage, Brennan Construction and Photography by Nicole Lynn, for their support.
Storms’ Chief Tom Lenart said he’s looking forward to another fun event.
“It was a hit last year and a lot of fun for our members and the community,” Tom Lenart said. “We really enjoyed seeing everybody that came out to run. It allowed us to pay for some extra training, too, which is always a good thing. The event helps us, it helps the community and is just a good, all-around event.”
Storm Ambulance was co-founded in 1948 by the late Edward Cotter, Jr. (David Lenart’s grandfather and Tom Lenart’s father-in-law) and Richard Kieley.
