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DERBY – This month’s inaugural 5K road race, hosted by Storm Engine Co. Ambulance & Rescue Corps to celebrate its 75th anniversary, is on pace to give everyone a runner’s high.
That’s according to race director and former Derby Fire Department Chief David Lenart, who said nearly 200 people have registered so far to take part in the nonprofit’s first walking/running road race.
The Ambulance Driver 5K, which will double as a fundraiser for the Storms, is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 10. The looped course will start and finish on Park Avenue behind BAD SONS Brewery, located at 251 Roosevelt Dr. in west Derby.
Registration is still open and will be until race day. Those interested can sign up online here.
Storms Chief Thomas Lenart, Sr. said the 5K will serve as “the signature community event” to mark Storms’ 75th anniversary. He said that, like distance runners, the volunteer members of Storms possess can-do attitudes and don’t quit until the job is done.
“This is a very exciting event and somewhat different for us, and we are looking forward to meeting everyone who will run and participate,” Lenart said.
David Lenart said the first 250 people to sign up will be treated to swag bags including a commemorative race-day T‑shirt, as well as a plate of wings (courtesy of The Dew Drop Inn), coupons to several establishments, goodies and more.
Lenart said the event’s sponsors – BAD SONS, The Dew Drop Inn, Ercolano Cleaning & Restoration and Castle Home Restorations, among others – have been nothing but helpful and generous to ensure the event is a success.
“Our sponsors have been great, and we can’t say enough about folks like Allison at BAD SONS and Jay at the Dew Drop; it’s people like them that make our city great.”
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 given out to the top three overall female and male finishers and the overall top first responder. An after-race party will take place at BAD SONS.
Portions of Park Avenue, Cedric Avenue, Hawthorne Avenue and Chatfield Street will be closed to traffic from 6 to 9 p.m. on race day to ensure the safety of the runners. Lenart said he and some of the Storms’ members will be going door to door in the next couple of weeks to inform neighbors whose homes are along the course.
“We’d love to have the residents along the route to join in, cheer for the runners as they pass by, maybe even play ‘Rocky’ music and give us some more cowbell,” Lenart said. “We’re trying to make this a community event and fun for everyone.”
The ambulance corps from nearby Ansonia, Seymour and Shelton will provide backup emergency coverage in Derby during the event to allow Storms’ members to participate in the race, Lenart said.
Storms Ambulance was co-founded in 1948 by Edward Cotter, Jr. (dad and grandfather to Tom and David Lenart, respectively) and Richard Kieley.
To become a race sponsor, or to get more race info, contact Dave Lenart at AmbulanceDriver5k@gmail.com.
