On a sunny and warm Sunday morning earlier this month, more than 700 runners of all ages laced up their shoes and gathered in the field beside the Ed Burns Arena and Ice Skating Rink to participate in AEF’s annual 5K race. 

This was AEF’s fifth year hosting the road race, and the first time in several years that the event sold out. The youngest participant was just four years old, and the oldest well into his 70s. All came together to support Arlington Public School teachers and students, raising money for grants that inspire and enable creativity and hands-on learning in the classroom and beyond. 

“The race this year was a huge success,” said AEF board member Juan Santos, who helped oversee the planning of this year’s event. “We had beautiful weather, amazing volunteers, generous donations and a great turnout. It was wonderful to see so many kids and families having fun and being active together.” 

Many of this year’s younger runners represented elementary and middle school running clubs from across APS, supported by Arlington Community Education. State representatives Sean Garballey and David Rodgers were on hand to help cheer them on. 

After the race, participants enjoyed frozen treats from Del’s Lemonade, which donated proceeds to AEF. Many of AEF’s sponsors, including Belmont Orthodontics, Arlington Orthodontics, Russian School of Mathematics, John’s Landscape Services, Winchester Savings Bank, Steve McKenna & the Home Advantage Team, Rockland Trust, American Alarm, and Above and Beyond Pet, were also present with giveaways for participants, families and friends. Race prizes were generously donated by Arlington Brewing Company, Za Pizza, Launch Family Entertainment-Woburn, Mahoney’s Garden Center, Massage Envy, Porter Square Books, and Andrina’s Pizza. Additional sponsors included Leader Bank, HMFH Architects, Northeast Optometry, and ZipWall. And Marathon Sports in Arlington hosted bib pickup and offered race participants a 20 percent discount in-store throughout the weekend.

“A lot of people told us that this race has become a tradition in their family,” said AEF Co-President Stephanie Murphy. “We especially want to say thank you to all of the APS running club coaches and Arlington Community Ed for supporting students and encouraging a lifetime love of running.”