Back to News Archive

Chatham, May 12, 2007 - The Organizing Committee of the annual Sean’s Run Presented by First Niagara Bank recently conducted their annual meeting, reported accomplishments, and elected their officers responsible for leading the group’s work in planning and producing the 2008 Sean’s Run. They include Jeff French, General Chairman, Carol Goold, Vice Chair, Nancy Zygmon, Business Manager and Jill Van Alstyne, Student Liaison from Chatham High School.

The committee set Sunday, April 27, 2008 as the date for the 7th Sean’s Run and reports the highlights of the event this past April included a record-setting 818 entrants. Participants, young and old, runners and walkers, came from throughout Columbia County and the capital region. Results and a complete listing of entrants are posted at the SeansRun website.

The committee reports that the proceeds raised through sponsorships and contributions by participants, a total of $10,600, were given away as grants to 9 schools and scholarships to 10 college-bound seniors. The schools will implement programs to deter underage drinking, impaired driving and increase teens’ use of seatbelts.

The winner of the Sean’s Run Raffle, a New York City weekend package for two, including a two-night stay at the Sheraton in Manhattan, plus tickets to a Broadway Show is Stefania Maruniak from Germantown, NY. Over 50 other prizes, including such things as dining gift certificates, quilts, and crafts contributed by local merchants and supporters, were presented to randomly selected entrants.

The committee reports that twelve youth development and substance abuse prevention organizations exhibited at the Prevention Education Expo during the event. These groups provided important information to teens and parents to help steer young people away from underage drinking and towards positive alternatives

Victims and Survivors of drunk driving were again special guests at Sean’s Run. Victim Advocates, District Attorneys and STOP DWI Coordinators from across the region helped to distribute Sean’s Run invitations to Survivors and Victims.

The Sean’s Run Committee encouraged 20 schools from around the region to implement local Battle of the Belts, a fun and fast-paced seatbelt buckling contest designed to increase use of safety belts by teens. STOP DWI Coordinators, prevention services providers and county Youth Bureaus helped in promoting this event across the region.

Ten schools from around the region sent teams to compete in the second World Championship Battle of the Belts at Sean’s Run. Taconic Hills High School won the Championship title in the high school division, and Chatham Middle School won the junior division honors, and Pine Plains High School brought the most participants and won the award for the best t-shirts. Columbia County Sheriff David Harrison and his Deputies, plus Chief Kevin Boehme and police officers from the Chatham Police Department also participated in the World Championship Battle of the Belts, and Major Deborah Campbell from the New York State Police helped to officiate the event.