The 4th Annual Bob Veillette 5K Road Race and Walk
Plus: Kids Fun Run
World Class runner attends Fourth Annual Bob5k Road Race and Walk
Rodgers is an American runner and former American record holder in the marathon who is best known for his victories in the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon in the late 1970s. He was born in Hartford, Conn. Rodgers won both races four times each between 1975 and 1980, twice breaking the American record at Boston with a time of 2:09:55 in 1975 and a 2:09:27 in 1979.
In 1977 he won the Fukuoka Marathon, making him the only runner ever to hold the championship of all three major marathons at the same time.
Photo by Damian Stohmeyer
A WORD OF THANKS
On behalf of the Bob Veillette 5K Road Race and Walk, we would like to thank all of the sponsors, volunteers, runners, and walkers who made this year's fourth-annual event on Sept. 13 such a success.
The race raises money to help offset the cost of medical care for Bob, the former managing editor of the Republican-American who suffered a massive stroke in April 2006 that left him “locked in,” or mentally aware but unable to move. This year's race attracted nearly 400 runners, walkers and Kids Fun Run participants, and raised more than $19,000. Combined with the proceeds from the three previous races, the event has raised more than $100,000 in four years.
None of that would have been possible without the help of our numerous volunteers, who work tirelessly before, during and after the race. We can't thank them enough for the wonderful job they do.
This year, we also must thank marathon runner Bill Rodgers, who not only attended and ran in the race, but also spent hours talking with participants and signing autographs. His participation made the day truly memorable.
Most especially, we must thank our major sponsors, without whose contributions the race would be impossible to put on. Our Gold Sponsors were: American Medical Response; AT&T; the city of Waterbury; Connecticut SignCraft; Main Street Waterbury; Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan; PowerStation; Northeast Utilities; the Republican-American, and Webster Bank.
And last, though certainly not least, we thank Bonnie and Bob Veillette, who attended the race this year for the first time and got to see firsthand the hundreds of people who love and support them, while also serving as an inspiration, and as a reminder to everyone about the importance of the event and its cause.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
