It took surviving breast cancer for Lori Buchetto to take up running as a way to live a healthy and active lifestyle, the 49-year-old Newtown resident said Saturday morning after finishing the 5K Newtown Road Race in Dickinson Park.
In the past, Buchetto would have stood on the sidelines applauding her husband, an avid runner, and watching as he crossed the finish line. In March, following his encouragement, she took up running, starting with 10 minute intervals before extending it to 15 minutes and now running about a mile or two nearly every day, Buchetto said.
She was among the 375 runners to take to the course Saturday, a race that had been rescheduled from Labor Day weekend.
Race director Steve Meeker said the turnout was respectable considering the weather, which was overcast for most of the race. Compared to past years, it was a smaller crowd, however. Last year was nearly double the turnout, according to organizers.
It was the first year running a 5K race for Jeff Capeci, the chairman of the Legislative Council, and his daughter. Both of whom joined many other local elected officials on the course, including fellow council member Kathy Fetchick and Selectman Bill Furrier.
While some runners complained about a couple of hills on the course, Capeci and his daughter said it didn't bother them.
"This is Newtown, how much flatter can you expect?" he asked.
The road race is part of a series in town, which began with the Newtown Rooster Run in June and ends with the Newtown Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day.
Proceeds from the Newtown Road Race goes to support the nonprofit, Newtown Youth and Family Services.
Editor's note: Race results can be found here.
