Runners have few opportunities to bring their toddlers/infants or furry friends along for races, but Run 4 Hunger & Health allows both strollers and four-legged furry friends, so the race attracts more than competitive runners.

“For the past two years if I’m going to get a chance to get out for a run it’s usually with these two,” said Sandy Hook’s Sean Lawrence, referring to 2-year-old daughter Mickey and their dog Daisy, after completing the 7th Annual Run 4 Hunger & Health 5K which took place at Fairfield Hills on September 13.

“It changes your training,” Lawrence said of multitasking by pushing a stroller and holding Daisy’s leash.

His wife, Melissa, and their other dog, Sadie, also completed the course. “We split the pack up today,” Sean said. “It’s a great event to get them out with people.”

And that is particularly important since the Goldendoodles are being trained to be therapy dogs.

“It’s a great family activity. Staying healthy is a big deal. It’s a great thing to do together — all of us enjoy doing it, including the dogs,” Melissa added.

Many other families participated with parents teaming up with children and siblings running the course.

As for the race’s top finishers, Prospect’s Trevor Genthe, 16, was first across the finish line in a time of 18:22. The top woman and sixth-place overall finisher was Tess Brantl, a 22-year-old Newtown native who completed the course in 21:24.

“Pretty good,” Genthe said of how it felt to lead the pack.

Brantl comes from a family of runners but only recently became a competitive runner herself. “I’ve got genetics on my side,” she said.

“It feels good,” said Brantl, adding that it is exciting when race onlookers encourage runners as they work through the course.

Brookfield’s Matthew Rosa was second in 20:55, Newtown’s Ryan Keogler came in third in 21:09, Southbury’s Matthew Cappiello was fourth in 21:15, Newtown’s Daniel Koegler fifth in 21:19, Bethel’s Erik Brudvig seventh in 21:56, White Plains, N.Y. resident Colin Mead came in eighth in 22:04, Newtown’s Cian Lahey ninth in 22:08, and Newtown’s Gary DeBrito rounded out the top ten in a time of 22:18.

Hosted by The Knights of Columbus, the event benefits FAITH Food Pantry and Newtown Youth and Family Services. Participants contributed canned goods as part of their registration.

For complete race results, visit aratrace.com.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.