FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – It was a stellar night for the Rotary Club of Flagler County as they hosted their record-breaking Race of the Runways 5K under one of the year’s most stunning sunsets.
Event chair Sheila Pillath and fellow Rotarian Cindy Dalecki grinned happily as they looked around at the smiling faces post-race.
“We had the most race participants we’ve ever had. We had 550 all together, 501 were racers and the rest were kids and virtual participants competing,” said Pillath.
“I love the turnout. There is so much energy and we got our sunset! Miraculous. I thought we were not going to get a sunset this year because of the clouds, but we were graced with a beautiful sunset. Everybody’s just so happy when they come here. They were dressed up, how fun is that?”
In for the Win
First to cross the finish line, Joshua Brands (17.50) is not only fast runner, he’s a Flagler County Firefighter/EMT. After recently finishing school and coming off of an injury, he was surprised to learn he was the first to cross.
“Yes, I am surprised. I just got back into running and coming off an injury,” he said. “It’s really cool. I work for Flagler County Fire Rescue, actually, the helicopter flying around, that’s from our department. So, it’s pretty cool to be part of something that the county’s putting on. My fire chief’s here too, so that’s pretty cool to just be part of it.”
Part of the ‘Not Fast, Just Furious’ running club, he and team members gladly stopped for a photo with Flagler County Fire Chief Mike Tucker, who shared his pride as the county’s helicopter circled the runway helping participants see the runway in the setting sun.
“For several years some of us from the fire department have been coming out, just wanting to support the Race of the Runways. The Rotary Club is a great organization and they do great things across the world,” he said.
“And maybe show off a little of the Flagler County Fire Rescue because Joshua Brands finished number one, which is exciting because he just finished paramedic school,” Tucker added with pride. “For the last 15 months he hasn’t been able to compete or do anything because he’s been in school. So we’re very proud of him.”
“The community supports us and everything we do. They love the fire department and Flagler County Fire Rescue. Fire fighting is a major asset. (Us participating), it’s another way for us to give back to the community.”
Running club member Brielle Goldberg, was winded but determined after her 5K stint on runways of the Flagler Executive Airport.
“I do it for fun but it’s really cool seeing the community coming together to do things like this, especially for charities and nonprofits, and finding a community of runners has been really nice,” she said.
Stepping Up for Others
The Race of the Runways has become a tradition in Flagler County that many can get behind. Not only do the proceeds support community projects, they also help support other organizations like Project WARM at SMA Healthcare, who in turn, helps by preparing and serving part of the meal for the event.
Serving as Acting President while the current president Karen Pastoriza is on ‘baby watch’ in New York, Bob Snyder called the evening a win-win for everyone.
“Us Rotarians are always available to step it up when we have to,” said Snyder with his signature enthusiasm.
“The weather could not be more perfect for the runners and walkers. We have broken a record tonight and that’s the most we’ve ever had. Our sponsors are wonderful and plentiful. It’s just a beautiful night,” he said, highlighting the partnership with Flagler Executive Airport.
“We are blessed to have Roy Sieger who is the administrator and executive director of the airport. He’s a past president twice of our Rotary Club of Flagler Beach,” shared Snyder. “He is all about Rotary and we are so glad that we have these partnership opportunities to not only raise money for our club but also to just have this beautiful event. It promotes wellness, with walkers and runners, and it’s fun.”
Event Chair Sheila Pillath summed it up with a thank you.
“First and foremost, thank you to our sponsors. Second, thank you to the participants. The money that we raised from this is going to help us do a lot of good in the community, help a lot of people, and that’s really what this race is all about.”
For more information on the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, visit www.flaglerbeachrotary.org.
