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2016-05-04 / Front Page Bringing the community together By: ERICKA SCHOFF Alex Naccarato after finishing the run. ERICKA SCHOFF Alex Naccarato after finishing the run. ERICKA SCHOFF On Sunday, May 1, runners lined up for the 11th Annual Springfield Dam Run. Joseph Cerniglia, founder of the run, created the race as a way of instilling the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle in the Springfield community. The run caters to all community members by getting the youth involved with a half mile Fun Run, which is fol lowed by a four mile race. All proceeds for the race go to the Springfield Family Center & Food Shelf. Enlarge Map The Dam Run has been a community building favorite for many, which is why there are so many returning runners. Anna Vogell, a local who has been running the race since it began in 2006, loves all of the support that community members bring on the race day. “I don’t run competitively anymore, but It’s my favorite run that I have signed up for,” she said. “Everyone is so happy and supportive, and it’s a fun environment. I think it’s one of the most successful community events for Springfield.” Vogell loves that the community comes together in such a healthy and beautiful atmosphere. Alex Naccarato, a Springfield High School junior, has participated in the Dam Run for the last three years. Naccarato was looking forward to running alongside his friends and family, with the hopes of get ting a new personal record. “I enjoy seeing friendly competition and everyone having a good time,” he said. “Whenever I get passed, it’s always a ‘keep going!’ or ‘you’re doing great.’ “Afterwards, everyone comes together for awards and it’s awesome to see everyone with a smile on their face,” he continued. This year, Naccarato made the goal to try and place higher than he did last year. Allison Goodrich, a local mother, has allowed her daughter to participate in the fun run for the past few years. She loves seeing the children’s faces light up as the crowd cheers for them once they cross the finish line. “The children enjoy them selves and are awarded with medals regardless of what place they come in. They are being shown that being active is a positive and important aspect of life,” said Goodrich. “In addition to all of the smiling faces, we get to support a great fundraiser.”
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