Runners of all ages gathered in Larchmont’s Flint Park with the option to compete in either a 1-mile or 5K race to help raise money for the village Recreation Committee’s future events, and allow them the chance to score one of the coveted first-place titles.
Formerly named “Larchmont Run,” Sprint to Flint first began in the 1970s, and has become an annual tradition. This year’s event took place on a rainy Friday night, and brought runners together for an evening of exercise while also encouraging families to live a healthier lifestyle.
“I think it sets a really good example for all the kids, to see not only other kids being active, but also grown-ups being active,” said Larchmont resident Andrew Katz. “I think, you know, kids are heavily influenced by what they see, and what their parents do.”
Participants in the event included families from Larchmont and its surrounding communities, as well as children in the Mighty Milers, a program that helps keep children in pre-kindergarten through middle school active.
Over the last three years, Sprint to Flint has had a steady increase in participants. This year’s event, which took place on Friday, June 16 included more than 800 runners.
“The event was an enormous success with record attendance,” said Carolyn Lee, co-chair of the village Recreation Committee.
Of the two races, the 1-mile run was largely populated by younger runners, many of which were accompanied by family members.
Danielle Klein, of Larchmont, explained that this was her second year participating in the event, and that she, her husband and daughter had come out to support their son, who’s in a running club at Mamaroneck Avenue School.
Katz said that he also had two younger children who participate in the run every year.
“It’s like their race,” he told the Review.
Greg Grimaldi, also of Larchmont, expressed a similar feeling, saying, “My kids enjoy doing it, [and] I enjoy doing it with them.”
Fellow resident Bernadette Latimer waited along the sidelines until it was time to line up for the 5K race. This was her first time participating in Sprint to Flint, attending the event along with her family.
“We’re a big running family,” she said.
Latimer went on to explain that, “My dad’s birthday is on Saturday [June 17], and Father’s Day is on Sunday, so this is kind of our [family’s] present to him.”
The races began on Locust Avenue, with the 1-mile race starting at 6:30 p.m., and the 5K beginning at 7:15 p.m. Before the start of the first race, Mayor Lorraine Walsh stood with Lee to give words of encouragement to the runners, while also offering them tips to stay safe during the race and inclement weather.
Walsh said that Sprint to Flint was a wonderful community event, adding, “The point is, we want you to have fun and not get hurt.”
