Congratulations to all that participated

'All about the kids' at Turbine 5K 4th annual event honors memory of LeClerc, supports scholarships

+ click to enlarge News staff photo by DONEEN DURLING Participants in the John LeClerc Wind Turbine 5K set off from the starting line in Templeton, Saturday. Doneen Durling News Staff Writer TEMPLETON — Hundreds of runners and walkers of all ages turned out for the John LeClerc Memorial Wind Turbine 5K on Saturday, honoring the memory of a local teacher and helping to provide scholarships for Narragansett Regional High School cross country and track athletes. “It doesn’t matter if you are the fastest or the slowest,” said organizer James Brehio. “It’s all about the kids.” In all, 333 participants turned out for the 3.1-mile race. Mr. Brehio said the event — named for the late John LeClerc, a Narragansett alumnus and teacher who played a key role in the wind turbine project at the school — began four years ago to help revive Narragansett’s cross country program. Proceeds from the weekend’s race will allow for 2014 senior runners to receive a scholarship comparable to what was provided last year, Mr. Brehio said. There are participation and volunteering requirements for students to be eligible. Top runner Colby Chrusciel, 21, of Templeton finished the course in 17 minutes. Jake Hastings, 17, of Phillipston took second, and Arthur Besse, 40, of Templeton came in a close third. Jessica Anderson, 27, of Winchendon was the first woman to finish with a time of 19 minutes, 32 seconds. Renee Capps, 17, of Templeton came in second among women, and Elizabeth Bond, 39, of Phillipston took third. The youngest male runner, nine-year-old Andrew Capps, came in 77th, while the youngest female runner, nine-year-old Callie Wiedle, finished 148th. Don LeBlanc, 70, ran to inspire, and Janice Montabano, 68, was there to boost those walking in the event. State Sen. Stephen Brewer of Barre told those on hand Mr. LeClerc was a teacher who inspired his students to dream big, and he asked them to keep Mr. LeClerc in their hearts. Mr. Brehio said that the event has become a staple of the summer calendar for many in the community. “I see a lot of people running the week leading up to the race,” he said. Last year, during Templeton’s 250th anniversary celebration, 373 people participated in the 5K. Mr. Brehio said next year, the event’s fifth edition will include certification by USA Track and Field. “That’s our goal,” he said. “Certification is good for 10 years. In (central Massachusetts), there are only two 5K courses certified. Ours will become number three.”