Photo story – Sweet Fun Run ‘24 raises heart rates, fun and funds for charity
In 2022, four 9th grade friends had the idea of starting a family friendly fundraiser that combined eating and running while building school spirit. Two years and two successful events later, The Sweet Fun Run recently brought together more than 350 participants to complete laps (and eat a treat after finishing each lap) all to benefit a local charity.
Now in its second year, the Sweet Fun Run brings families and friends together for a unique event that combines running 4 laps around CSD’s Spartan Park track with eating a treat after every lap. This year, the event raised more than $2300 for charity.
Student organizers and Sweet Fun Run club members pose with teacher advisor, Mr. Savicki, and a running chair provided by Speed for Need, the benefiting charity of this year‘s event. Brothers Alex (6th from left) and Logan (4th from left) DuBois had the idea to organize a school wide athletic fundraiser after taking Mr. Savicki’s Sport in Society elective class. (CSD Journalism class photo)Sweet Fun Run event masters of ceremony (MC’s) Ben Gallagher (‘25) (standing) and Lucy Faubert (‘26) (in the Speed for Need racing chair) pose on the adaptive racing chair before kicking off the event. (CSD Journalism class photo)Co-event organizer Logan Cain (‘25) (left) welcomes participants to the second annual Sweet Fun Run. (CSD Journalism class photo)
Elementary school student participants sprint at the starting line. Participants began their mile run around the track at Community School of Davidson’s Spartan Park after being encouraged to “Run, jog, skip, hop, or walk around the track” by event MC Lucy Faubert (‘26). (CSD Journalism class photo)
Friends, families, bananas, teachers and community members start their mile run around the track at Spartan Park. They are embarking on their challenge to complete four laps while eating a sweet treat after every lap. After the first lap, entrants have a cookie, the second a cupcake, the third a doughnut and the fourth a brownie or Bundtini. All treats were provided by local sponsors. (CSD journalism class photo)Event organizers race with “Track Commander” Hazel (riding) around Spartan Park in the Speed for Need adaptive racing chair. Hazel used a blanket to stay warm through the light wind and rain. (CSD Journalism class photo)Sweet Fun Run participants complete a cool-down lap after racing around the track to complete their challenge. The non-competitive event welcomed not only runners but also walkers and even friend groups who chose to complete it together. (CSD journalism class photo)With more and more students wanting to get involved, volunteer and help organize the event, The Sweet Fun Run grew into a school approved club beginning in the ‘23 – ‘24 school year. Club members (from left to right) Ben Gallagher (‘25) Abbey Cain (‘27), Mika Chartier (‘25) and Lucy Faubert (‘26) guide participants to their corresponding treat stations depending on what lap they have completed. The group of four gave participants live dance and singing performances. (CSD journalism class photo)The Sweet Fun Run is perfect family friendly for everyone. From NFL enthusiasts to Mario Kart experts, everyone can enjoy a fun run with a dose of sugar. (CSD Journalism class photo)The little sister isn’t going to let her brother beat her this time. She raced her heart out, showed her brother who’s boss and got to enjoy treats, too, all before 10AM on a late March Saturday morning. (CSD Journalism class photo)Sweet Fun Run Club members Ethan Tomko (‘26)(left), Cooper Bryan (‘24)(center), an Jackson Hartsell (‘26)(right) dance to the music to give participants an extra smile as they finish their last laps. (CSD Journalism class photo)Alex DuBois (‘25)(left) and Ali Sharifi (‘25)(right) prepare to pass out sweet treats. DuBois already received a medal from Speed for Need for all his hard organizing work. Sharifi is about to pass out his cookies. (CSD Journalism class photo)Sweet treats didn’t last long on tables once the event began. Hiding under the cover of the field house, the volunteers protected the treats from the rain and hungry event coordinators.(CSD Journalism class photo)After everyone has completed the fun run, only a small portion of the cupcakes remains. Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club has been a loyal supporter, donating 400 sweet treats each the past two years of the event. The event’s original organizers, mostly soccer players, are lucky to have one of their chefs as their former middle school soccer coach. (CSD Journalism class photo)The Sweet Fun Run 2024 raises $2,350 for a local non-profit, Speed for Need. Speed for Need works to foster the inclusion of those with disabilities through participation in fitness events. The event raised over $500 more for charity than last year and was a massive success. (CSD journalism class photo)
Ben Gallagher is a senior who has been attending CSD since eighth grade. He is looking forward to his fourth and final year as a part of the Journalism team and hopes it’s the best year yet. This year in the class, he wants to branch out from the usual stories he writes and explore styles such as opinion pieces, podcasts and photo stories.
When not at school, Ben is often found on the sports field. Baseball and recently football take up the majority of his calendar and he loves it. On the diamond he plays middle infield and outfield while in football he plays receiver and free safety.
Outside of school, Ben enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, eating food and spending time outdoors. His favorite books are The Count of Monte Cristo and The Hobbit. His mom’s lasagna is his favorite food.
Quote?
“Put on the full armor of God that you may withstand the schemes of the Devil.”
-Ephesians 6:11
Walk-up Song?
“Can’t tell It All (Remix)”
-Hulvey, KB, and Lecrae
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