The excitement built as runners lined up at the starting line for the 25th annual Kutztown Fools’ Run on Saturday.
“Today’s race was a special day for the Fools’ Run. It was our 25th anniversary and we made a big deal out of it,” said Kutztown Optimist Don Sechler, event coordinator of the scholarship benefit fundraiser.
There was also a moment of sadness as Sechler honored the memory of local runner Sally Miksiewicz, East Penn Manufacturing CEO who was killed after being struck by a vehicle while running in the summer of 2014.
“We also took time out to honor Sally Miksiewicz with the memorial run, the 5k that she always participated in,” said Sechler. “She was a good supporter, an ardent runner, and she enjoyed being here. Certainly, we’re going to miss her and everything she’s done for us over the years.”
“It was a little moving at first,” said Victor Rodriguez, Oley, companion of Sally. “Mr. Sechler gave a great memorial to Sally, definitely touched a lot of our hearts, a lot of family members here from East Penn. It was a great tribute and it was a great turnout. It keeps her in all of our minds and in all of our hearts and keeps her alive on a daily basis with us.”
He ran in the Sally Miksiewicz Memorial 5K Run, as he had done with Sally for the past six years.
“I thought (the run) was fantastic. We had a great turnout. Great organization that helps put this together year after year. It’s something we’re definitely dedicated to every year,” said Rodriguez.
Final participant count was about 471. “The cold weather definitely hurt us. It kept people away,” said Sechler.
But the energy was still high amongst the runners, including this newspaper editor who ran in the 5k.
“My favorite part is getting to see people year after year and they keep coming back and that tells me that we’re doing something right. It’s a good feeling to know they respect the work that our club is doing,” said Sechler.
Hallie Schumacher, Kutztown, ran in the 10 mile race with her husband Larry, at their own running paces. She was quite excited to once again be running in the Fools’ Run.
“I love that the Optimist Club (holds) the Fools’ Run. It’s a great fundraiser for the community and it’s a beautiful race course.”
One of the highlights of the event was the return of the costume contest.
Angi Lager, Alburtis, dressed as Superwoman for the costume contest and ran in the 5k.
“They put on a great event for the runners,” said Lager.
Kutztown native Lisa Eshleman Foster, Vermont, dressed as the Old Pa. Dutch Lady Fool and ran in the 5k.
“I’m a theater person and when my stepdaughter said she was running the Fools’ Run and I read that they brought back the costume contest… she runs and I run, which is why I’m here,” said Foster, who came in 3rd place in her age group.
Foster’s costume included red longjohns and tutu, a checkered bonnet and mustache glasses that turned purple in the cold, as well as the word “Fool” posted on the back of her pants.
Jennifer Breidegam, Fleetwood, ran her very first 5k. “I was inspired by a high school friend of mine and I’m very excited. I completed it under 30 minutes and I can now cross this off my bucket list.”
What was fun about the Fools’ Run was “the inspiration of everyone and everyone coming together and supporting you. And it was for a good cause.”
Also new this year Tom Biltcliff, Brandywine Heights, shot video footage of the run that was posted on the foolsrun.com website. New also was the inclusion of Hamburg Area School District for scholarships, according to Sechler.
Proceeds from the event provide two scholarships per school to graduating seniors from Brandywine Heights, Fleetwood Area, Hamburg Area and Kutztown Area school districts to attend Kutztown University.
“We give $2,000 to each district to give to two deserving students in the top third of their class that are going to attend Kutztown University. One of the big criteria is their volunteer work,” said Sechler.
