With the vibe of a huge party, and a margarita at the race finish line, Sunday's 10th Annual Southwest Cafe Margarita 5K had a purpose that filled participants with bright rays of sunshine: to raise money and awareness for a local group home for adults.
Ridgefield's Sunrise Cottage, part of ARI (Always Reaching for Independence), provides structural life-skills training, medical support, and transportation to employment, educational and social activities for residents, enabling the residents to lead more independent lives.
The brainchild of Southwest Cafe owner, Barb Nevins, the sunset run not only attracted more than 450 athletes from all over Fairfield County, but Sunrise Cottage residents, local business owners, and First Selectman, Rudy Marconi.
Post-run the endorphins were raging. Runners and friends were in no hurry to leave the Marketplace. Southwest Cafe and Bartolo were packed with happy, hungry people.
A special thank you to all who made this race possible. Topping the list is Barbara Nevins, owner of Southwest Cafe. Much gratitude for race organizers M.S. Running Productions, Megan Searfoss and Deb Povinelli of Ridgefield Running Company and Rob Murray, Danbury HS Boys Cross Country and Track Coach.
The results have not yet been published but will be available here.
Just think...the 11th Annual Southwest Margarita 5K is only 12 months away! If you missed this party with a purpose, mark your calendars and plan your summer vacations accordingly. You don't want to miss this next year!