Students compete in districtwide Pumpkin Run at WHS

Congratulations to Connor Bates of Taft Elementary and Callie Amend of Little Britain Elementary for securing first place finishes in the annual districtwide cross-country Pumpkin Run on Monday.

The top 20 runners from Little Britain, Round Hill and Taft Elementary Schools advanced after qualifying at their individual school races last week and gathered at Washingtonville High School for the final event.

Before the start, students stretched and warmed up on the upper fields, preparing for the one mile race ahead. The boys raced first, followed by the girls, as families lined the sidelines cheering and offering encouragement throughout the race. 

“It feels really good to win,” said Connor after crossing the finish line. “I practiced in school and during hockey. Today is a really good day.”

For Callie, this year’s Pumpkin Run held special meaning. Her older brother, now a middle school student, previously competed in the event, and this year it was her time to shine. 

“It was incredible,” said Callie’s mother, Nicole Amend. “She shocked me first of all, and I'm just so proud of her. She put her mind to it and she did it.”

Boys Results
1st: Connor Bates, 6:35 (Taft)
2nd: Sullivan Marino, 6:41 (LB)
3rd: Colton Breitmaier, 6:50 (Taft)

Girls Results
1st: Callie Amend, 7:51 (LB)
2nd: Mya Melchiorre, 7:54 (RH)
3rd: Alana Hogg, 7:55 (Taft)