Race For Reading’ Hits The Streets Of Newtown To Benefit Library

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — The annual Race for Reading hit the streets of Newtown Borough over the weekend in support of the Newtown Library Company.

Organizers welcomed a beautiful day with a record turnout of runners and a 99-year-old World War II veteran from Langhorne who was given the honor of starting the race.

Just moments before, race organizer Donna Gusty had joined Layla Leuthy Peck in presenting Sandy Oppenheimer with the first-ever Honorary Runner award.

Oppenheimer, who worked as the editor of the Bucks County Courier Times for 30 years, served aboard the USS Salt Lake City during World War II. He witnessed the fighting at Iwo Jima and proudly displays a famous photo of the raising of the American flag on Mt. Suribachi signed by the photographer.

After limbering up with a yoga instructor, race participants stepped off from Centre Avenue and headed east taking them on a tour of the residential neighborhoods of the borough.

The first to cross the finish line was 14-year-old Liam Steyn. The Newtown Middle School student finished the race in 17:46.

Newtown Library Company Board President Donna Gusty with 14-year-old Liam Steyn of Newtown, the top finisher of the race.

Donna Gusty with Christina Burner of Newtown, the first woman to cross the finish line.

Donna Gusty and Layla Leuthy Peck present Sandy Oppenheimer with the first-ever Honorary Runner award.

Race participants limber up for the 5K Race. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The first female to cross the finish line was 34-year-old Christina Burner of Newtown. She finished with a time of 21:40.

Click here to view the complete race results from Pretzel City Sports.

“The morning couldn’t have been better,” said library board president Donna Gusty who was greeting every runner to cross the finish line, handing out medals, water and fresh fruit.

“The weather was gorgeous for a change,” she continued. “Everybody is having a great time. And we had a lot of volunteers helping today. It’s been picture perfect.”

According to Gusty, close to 100 registered in advance for the race plus about six registered Saturday morning, boosting the number of runners over 100.

“We thank all of our sponsors for helping to support the Newtown Library Company, which relies on our memberships and our fundraisers,” said Gusty.

The proceeds from the race will be used to purchase new books for the library, according to Gusty

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

The 5K Race is one of three major fundraisers organized each year in support of the Newtown Library Company. The library also benefits from a late winter Booklover’s Cocktail Party and its annual Amazing Race (Newtown Edition) held in the spring.

Newtown Library Company, the oldest continually operating library in Bucks County, is a nonprofit that relies on membership fees and donations for support. It is located at 114 East Centre Avenue, Newtown, and can be reached by calling 215-968-7659 or visiting www.newtownlibrarycompany.org

Next up for the Newtown Library Company is a Halloween Scavenger Hunt from 9 a.m. on October 19 to 2 p.m. on October 20.

The public is invited to join family and friends on a Halloween hunt through beautiful Newtown Borough. Teams will receive a packet with two lists of items to find and photograph, including 10 "pumpkin" locations in Newtown. The three teams that find the most items win prizes. Goodie bags will be given at the judging to all children ages 13 and under.

Teams will receive their packet via email at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 19. To compete for prizes, turn in your packet at Starbucks on State Street on Sunday, October 20 before 2 p.m.

Sign up here. Tickets are $25 with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the Newtown Library Company, a non-profit organization run by community volunteers.