Simsbury's Latimer Lane's School Year Gets a Running Start

Press release:

SIMSBURY, CT—When Latimer Lane Elementary School’s Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) floated the idea of a back-to-school running event to Principal Mike Luzietti, especially given his background as a former physical education teacher, his response was, “What’s not to like?”

The “Run Back to School—5K and Fun Run” was held on a gorgeous Sunday on September 14, 2014. Originally conceived by Latimer Lane parent Meredith Barrows for a fun PTO fundraiser, the idea blossomed quickly to include dozens of volunteers and almost 300 runners registered, including participants from surrounding towns. Open to all ages, children as young as age three could be found running alongside grandparents. Luzietti’s daughter, Sophie, turned eight on the day of the race, and what better way to celebrate than forgo birthday cake for healthy family fun with Dad?

The Fun Run element featured confetti, bubbles, and Silly String for the children to run through. At the finish line, marked by a huge balloon arch, Luzietti was there with high five’s for the runners. One little boy looked puzzled as he gazed up at his school principal, who had swapped his regular business attire for a t-shirt and running shoes. “You look familiar…” mused the boy, eliciting a hearty laugh from Luzietti.

The 5K race was conducted through Latimer Lane School’s surrounding neighborhoods. All finishers received an airbrush finisher tattoo. Little City Pizza donated pizzas first place prizes for the 5K race for each age division. A raffle rounded out the event, with prizes donated by race sponsors. The funds raised will be used to support school fitness programs.

Said Luzietti, “Hopefully this will become an annual tradition. It’s a great one to have.”

For photos and race results, visit www.runbacktoschool.org.

Photo: A family shows off their numbers during the September 14 first annual Latimer Lane Run Back to School 5K and Fun Run.