FIRST Robotics Team to sponsor Run Manchester for third year

Several Manchester FIRST Robotics students attended last week’s Village Council meeting to present their plans for the 2020 Run Manchester. Photo courtesy of Daniella Kippnick

Although there have been leadership changes in the Manchester FIRST Robotics Team this year, the team and its advisers are moving forward with plans for a third annual sponsorship of the traditional Run Manchester!

“Run Manchester has been a 5K/10K for the past to years, including a free Kids Fun Run,” according to a presentation sheet provided to Manchester Village Council at last Monday’s meeting. “We are hoping to eventually improve and expand the race to include a 10-miler and a half marathon.”

Parent adviser Daniella Kippnick told Village Council on Monday night that after meeting with WCSO Sgt. Beth Gieske, the team was not sure they would be able to do the hoped-for expansion this year due to financial considerations. However, further inquiries may have found a way to make this happen, so Kippnick is optimistic that the 10-mile and half-marathon could indeed be part of this year’s event, taking their route along the lovely country back roads surrounding Manchester. There are also other changes that they plan to implement starting with this year’s race.

It was approved by Council that the start and finish line would be in front of the Blacksmith Shop at the intersection of Main Street and Beaufort this year, for the first time. “This is a beautiful highlight of our town and would keep the four-way stop open as well as Main Street in front of the local businesses,” Kippnick said. Registration and award pick up would be held at the pavilion in River Raisin Park.

In hopes of attracting more runners, the group has decided to have a slightly lower registration cost ($20 for 5K and $25 for 10K), and also provide better quality shirts and custom medals that will be more attractive to participants.

“We would like to give more opportunities to the community while helping our huge fundraising needs,” Kippnick added.

Since runners often like to have someplace to go and things to do following a race, Kippnick noted that the teams would also like to collaborate with businesses in town to see how they can help “promote local” with the race–whether that is including coupons in runners’ packets or sales and other promotions at local businesses that would attract participants and their families.

Several student members of the FIRST Robotics Teams were on hand to represent the team and the school, and did so with grace and respect for the process. The community can be proud of these young people for learning more about how local government works, and for their patience during a lengthy discussion prior to their scheduled time on the agenda.

As has become tradition, the Run Manchester event will be held on the first Saturday in August, which this year is Aug. 1. The 5K and 10K races are scheduled to start at 8 am, while the kids Free one-mile Fun Run will stat at 9:15 am. Registration starts Monday, Feb. 24! Watch for updates on the potential 10 mile and half-marathon routes, as well. Sign up soon to participate in the event of your choice!

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.