First Fun Run to be held in Dane

DANE — When the Fire Department of the Village of Dane was looking for another event to add to their annual festival in June, they didn’t have far to look.

	Fun Run in Dane
	The first Country Block Fun Run will be held Saturday, June 23: Where — Bert Deans Park, Dane Start time — 8:30 a.m. Registration — at www.active.com or register the day of the run Prizes for top finishers and all people crossing the finish line Walkers welcome

They had heard some talk about the possibility of St. Michael School in Dane sponsoring a fun run. “They called us and asked us to do it. It was a win-win situation,” said Lori Suarez, principal of the Catholic school.

The first (hoped to be annual) Country Block Fun Run to benefit St. Michael School will be held Saturday, June 23, starting at 8:30 a.m. at Bert Deans Park in Dane. It will be an 8K fun run (about five miles). Walkers are welcome.

Committed runner

Suarez herself is a committed runner. She has completed five marathons (26.2 miles) and 18 half-marathons (13.1 miles).

“I’m on my way to run the New York marathon in November and my eyes are set on Boston in 2013,” said Suarez.

She began running in 2007. “My sister Lisa suggested that we run a half-marathon and train together. That summer we ran together through the heat and wind and motivated each other,” recalled Suarez.

“In September of 2007 we finished our first race together in two hours and 15 minutes, okay for a first time.” Since then, Suarez has taken 35 minutes off her time and has run in races throughout the country.

Her proudest accomplishment so far is qualifying for the New York Marathon. She did it at Disneyworld in Orlando, Fla., by completing what is called the “Goofy Challenge” — running a half-marathon on one day and a full marathon the next, for 39.3 miles in one weekend.

“My next goal is to get to Boston,” she said. She qualified once before, but was unable to get in because of the large numbers.

Suarez said running has helped her set goals and stay fit. “I feel so much better when I exercise. I’m more energized,” she said.

Motivates students

She has encouraged her students at St. Michael School to get more exercise. Some of them have taken up running, too.

“I have motivated a few students and their families who are training for the Fun Run,” she said. Students who aren’t running will be involved as volunteers.

“I’m excited about the run and everyone in the community is excited. I’m praying for 73 and sunny weather,” she said.