MECEC 5K celebrates third year
First-place winner for the MECEC 5K run was Amanda Ruane from Sharon, Conn., who completed the race in 25 minutes and 21 seconds.
Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe

MECEC 5K celebrates third year

MILLBROOK — With its starting point under the breezeway of the under-renovation Thorne Building on Franklin Avenue in Millbrook, 26 enthusiastic runners took off at exactly 9 a.m. on Saturday morning, June 11, for the 3rd Annual Print Run sponsored by the Millbrook Early Childhood Education Center (MECEC).

The route meandered through the village, mostly on Franklin, Maple and Merritt avenues; Elm and Reservoir drives and Church Street. Signs were erected cautioning drivers about the runners, and Millbrook Police also kept close watch on the race to keep runners safe.

The 5K was open to those 13 and older. The event also drew a good-sized group of spectators to cheer on those running and to watch the children participate.

President of the Eastern Dutchess Road Runners Club Mill Morris was there to lend his support to the event. He even ran in the race.

With fine weather, everyone seemed to enjoy the day, with activities for all ages. On the green by the bandshell, a bounce house was set up. There was also a children’s obstacle course at 9:30 a.m. for children ages 6 to 10.

At 10 a.m., MECEC Executive Director Anne Garcia presented awards to the winners of the 5K. Amanda Ruane from Sharon, Conn., came in first, completing the race in 25 minutes and 21 seconds; John “J.B.” Byrne finished in second place.

The awards ceremony was followed by a concert from Bill Fiore, otherwise known as Bindlestick Bill, while youngsters between the ages of 3 to 5 delighted in a Mini-Artist Obstacle Course. Then a 1K Walk/Run took place for ages 5 through 12 with adults or teens on hand. Preschoolers also ran in a 100-yard dash, followed by ice cream and a raffle drawing. All in all it was busy day, and clearly a lot of fun.

MECEC is located at Lyall Memorial Federated Church at 30 Maple Ave. in Millbrook. It has been educating pre-kindergartners for the past 14 years.

The 5K is MECEC’s main fundraiser every year, and the preschool expressed its gratitude to the Millbrook Community Partnership for use of its property for the event and to the many volunteers who made the race possible.

For more information about MECEC, call 845-677-3536 or go to www.mecec.org.

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