Boston, MA - On Thursday, July 23, 2009, the Camp Harbor View Foundation celebrated its first annual Harborthon 5K with more than 500 runners and guests. The event took place at Camp Harbor View on Long Island, Boston Harbor where the island saw its first road race.
Despite less than ideal weather, runners and spectators arrived by ferry provided by William Walker and Boston’s Best Cruises ready to race. To kick-off the race, Camp Harbor View campers Abel, Tae’Vaughn, Taylor and Amira sang the national anthem and gave a blow horn start that sent the runners off on a unique and rarely traveled route around the roads of Long Island with views of the Boston Harbor, historical US army landmarks, and serene surroundings.
After the race, DJ Renell entertained while runners fueled up on Pit Stop Barbecue and Kayem hot dogs, and enjoyed free beer provided by Harpoon Brewery. Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino joined the celebration to thank participants for their support of Camp Harbor View and to congratulate runners.
"A little bit of bad weather wasn't going to put a damper on this terrific event," Mayor Menino said. "The Harborthon was a win for everyone involved. Runners had a chance to explore the beauty of the Harbor Islands and raise funds for a great cause all at the same time. Judging from this year's attendance, the race has a very bright future ahead, and all of this support will allow Camp Harbor View to strengthen its commitment to serving hundreds of underprivileged youth every summer."
In the men’s category, Scott Munro of Boston, age 27, came in first place overall with a time of 16:40. Paul Gaffuri of Nashua, age 29 took second place overall with a time of 18:12 while Samuel Hay of Chestnut Hill followed closely with a time of 18:17 for third place overall.
In the women’s category, Megan Sowa of Boston, age 25 took first place overall with a time of 19:55. Dara Dalmata of Hopkington, age 32, came in second place overall with a time of 20:23 and Lynn Carlton of Boston, age 32 took third place overall with a time of 20:38.
Eric Baldwin, Championship Director of Deutsche Bank Championship and representative of the Harborthon’s presenting sponsor, Deutsche Bank Partner’s for Charity, said “We are thrilled to partner with the Camp Harbor View Foundation in creating such a wonderful event for the folks of Boston to enjoy, while helping out this worthy organization. We’re glad to be a part of the Harborthon 5K and to support the camp and the children it serves.”
The Camp Harbor View Foundation employed the help of David McGillivray and DMSE Sports, Inc to execute the race. "We (DMSE) have managed over 800 events during the past 30 years and we thought we had seen it all in terms of uniqueness and the potential of an event, that is, until the Camp Harbor View Harborthon happened on Thursday evening, July 23rd. Certainly this was the first time we have directed an event where all the participants arrived at the same time by boat!! It was truly an awesome sight to behold. This race has all the necessary ingredients of a ‘you have to experience it to believe it’ event. From the boat ride over to the island, to the peaceful, undulating 5K course, to the incredible views of the Boston skyline, to the over-the-top post race barbeque and music to the support of Mayor Menino and the Connors Family Foundation. And, most importantly, the cause - helping to raise money to fund meals and programs for the children at Camp Harbor View. The event was a huge success and our heads are already spinning with more creative and unique ideas for the 2010 race," said McGillivray.
David McGillivray sponsored a few Camp Harbor View campers and Counselors-in-Training (CIT) that wanted to run in the 5K. Looking back on the experience, CIT Shaquil Wilkie said, “It felt really good to run the race even though I didn’t win, but I will work on that for next year. I felt like I accomplished something.”
Camp Harbor View Foundation wishes to extend its sincere thanks to all who contributed to the success of the Harborthon including runners, spectators, volunteers, Pit Stop Barbecue, DJ Renell, and our generous sponsors.
For a list of sponsors and runners’ results, please go to the Harborthon website, www.campharborview5k.com
Camp Harbor View opened in 2007 as a result of Mayor Menino’s concern for the welfare of Boston’s inner-city children. Mayor Menino reached out to Boston businessman and civic leader Jack Connors, Jr. and together they had the idea to create a camp for the most at-risk children of Boston that would expose them to experiences and activities beyond their day to day life. With the help of John Fish and a powerful Suffolk Construction team, the Camp was built in 109 days. Today, Camp Harbor View is operated with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and provides over 600 of Boston’s inner-city youth with four weeks of summer day camp for just $5. Each camper experiences a wide variety of activities designed to build confidence, encourage creativity, and help develop the leadership skills they need during school and beyond.
