Crowds Cheer As Springfielders Sprint For Schools

Springfielders came out bright and early Sunday morning to cheer each other on at the third annual Sprint for Springfield schools 5K.

Members of Jonathan Dayton High School's boys varsity cross country team crossed the finish line smiling and said it was a great event.

"It's great when Springfield does things like this," said Justin Sagalaw.

"I had a great time," Sam Block agreed.

Board of Education President Steve Wolcott said more students have joined the race each year.

"We had roughly 300 register for the 5K and 50 for the Fun Run," Wolcott said. "Basically on par with last year. It seemed that the crowd was larger this year though."

Wolcott said the good turnout is positive sign as onlookers may be inspired to participate next year. 

The overall male & female winners were: 

Greg Salmon (JDHS Teacher) 19:06.5
Tracy Mullen (JDHS Alum) 19:32.4  

Complete results can be found at http://www.coolrunning.com/results/13/nj/Sep29_Spring_set1.shtml

The past two races have raised over $25,000 for the Springfield Education Foundation, which was created in response to the increasing needs of the schools and the decreased funding by local, state and national governments and aims to raise money and provide assist the Springfield Public School District. The funds raised from the race will help support teacher grants and annual leadership scholarships.