Mustangs Run Annual Wethersfield 5K

To prepare for their first race of the season, the boys and girls cross-country teams joined forces to run a 5K from campus to the nearby Wethersfield Estate & Garden on Saturday. In addition to practicing, some racers registered to run the 5K for The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse (CPCA) annual fundraiser.

On the big day, the group gathered under the tree between the baseball and turf fields for warmups before heading out. A merciless sun beat down on the runners, but they ran hard toward the promise of spectacular views and chilled orange slices and bananas at the finish line. All the while, Boys Cross-Country Coach Leigh Schmitt patrolled the road on his bicycle, ensuring everyone stayed on track.

A challenging route, the 5K twisted along backroads, past curious farm animals, and up steep hills. Despite the significant elevation gain, several runners—including last year’s breakout running star Andrea Sassatelli—completed the race in around 24 minutes.

At the finish line, the runners were rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of our campus and the surrounding countryside below. The teams then enjoyed a stroll through the beautiful garden before heading back to campus. A bus back to campus was available, but several student-athletes decided to get a second workout in by running the 5K in reverse.

The cross-country teams travel to New Milford, Connecticut, for the Canterbury Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 20, for their first race of the season. Their first home meets come the following Saturday (Sept. 27) against Frederick Gunn.

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