Runners laced up for a fiesta fun run

WAREHAM — Over 100 runners and walkers laced up their sneakers and hit the cranberry bogs around Frogfoot Farm for a 3-mile loop all to raise money for a good cause. 

The Kiwanis Club of Bourne Wareham hosted their 8th annual Cinco de Mayo 5K fundraiser on Sunday, May 3. 

President of the club, Bill McCann said this 5 kilometer run is their largest fundraiser of the year to support non-profit and community groups around the area. 

During Christmas the club assists families in need of support with food, clothing and gifts. The club has also packed food boxes and raised money for scholarships. 

Around 10 high school students volunteered at the event who are involved with the Kiwanis Club on their campuses. 

McCann said the race naturally builds community since so many people are working to make it come together. His favorite part is seeing friends and families out together. 

“There's a lot of camaraderie and it's kind of sweet all these families come together and run together and friends that are into running and so on,” McCann said. 

McCann said the Cinco de Mayo theme came from the race always being around the day and a fun theme for racers. 

Race director Anne Marie Winchester said the off-road, unpaved course was great for families and younger children to have their first race experience. 

Running through the forest, bogs and Frogfoot Farm allowed for a car-free environment getting people outside and growing the community. 

Winchester said small races like this one are great for the running community to get to know each other. Runners have a chance to chat and connect. 

“You don't have people fighting over politics and the things that we see so often on social media,” Winchester said. “They're just out here all sharing a common interest and enjoying each other.”

Runner Julianna Santiago of Mashpee was decked out in a green tutu and margarita leggings. She has been running for 6 years and was excited to join the race with her friends. 

“It's fun to dress up in a 5K race and just go out, enjoy moving, being outside and being with friends,” Santiago said. 

She also added she loves a margarita and wanted to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with her friends. She had never run this course before and was looking forward to seeing the beauty of the area.  

Santiago said that she encourages her friends and new runners to enjoy small races because they are fun and always have a welcoming environment. 

“I feel like I make friends every time I'm at a race,” Santiago said. “It doesn't matter how big or small it is, but particularly the small community races, you really feel the closeness of everyone and how welcoming they are.” 

Collin O’Sullivan, 21, and Leah Miceli, 12, placed first and second overall, both placing first in the respective male and female leaderboard.