Sandy Hook’s Kevin Boughan was the first across the finish line in the 10th Annual Newtown Road Race 5K, which started and finished at Dickinson Park, on September 5. Boughan, 39, finished the race in a time of 16:52.

“I saw that Kevin Hoyt wasn’t on the line so I knew I had a chance this year,” said Boughan, who was runner-up to running standout Hoyt at last year’s event.

But Boughan is no stranger to road race success; not this year. Boughan, who started running only five years ago, has won a handful of races, including the Sandy Hook 5K.

Ridgefield 18-year-old Jenna Gasparrini was the top female, completing the course in 18:44, good for 13th overall.

Gasparrini runs the course each year as part of her high school cross country team’s time trials. “I like it. It’s definitely easier than the cross country courses. There are some nice up hills to push you,” she said.

Boughan says the Newtown 5K course is part of his regular long run, and he notes that the route keeps it interesting with some turns and a few hills.

Runners and walkers were treated to a cool, approximate 60-degree morning, with low humidity. “You could not have asked for a better race day than this,” said participant Bill Begg, adding that partaking in the event allows for friends who haven’t seen each other in a while to catch up.

Greg Furlong ran the course with his 4-year-old daughter Delaney (without a stroller), and noted that it helped him burn a few extra calories. “I like a little extra challenge,” said Furlong, adding that Delaney enjoys the experience.

Top ten finishers include: 2. Pat Dennen, 35, Middlebury, 17:12; 3. Tony Perugini, 35, Oxford, 17:23; 4. Connor McNerney, 16, Sandy Hook, 17:25; 5. Ethan Burg, 17, Sandy Hook, 17:31; 6. Joel Duval, 15, Newtown, 17:51; 7. Christian Lestik, 15, Sandy Hook, 18:10; 8. Joey Conrod, 16, Sandy Hook, 18:34; 9. Dominick Curra, 15, Danbury, 18:40; 10. Sean Connolly, 15, Danbury, 18:41.

The Newtown 5K benefits Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS), and was followed by the Newtown Prevention Council Kids Run. Steve Meeker stepped down as race director prior to this year’s run. Matt Ariniello, who oversees operations and development for NYFS, is part of a committee that holds the event.

“We had a great turnout. We’re very excited about it,” said Ariniello, adding that more than 650 runners signed up for the 5K, in addition to 100-plus children for the Kids Run. “This is a great community event. We’d like to thank all of our sponsors and community members for making this event possible.” Ariniello notes that more than 30 volunteers helped keep things running smoothly.

Complete results may be found on the Plattsys Timing website. Check out the September 11 print edition of The Bee for more coverage of the race.