It was the largest turnout in the history of The Women’s Fund Tiara 5K, now in its ninth year as a Mattapoisett Mother’s Day tradition.
Over 1,000 runners turned out for the race on May 10, some donning tutus, costumes, and tiaras in addition to their running shoes. Traci Calabrese, director of development for the Women’s Fund, was pleased with the 47 sponsors of the event this year, and the preliminary number suggest the event will bring in roughly $50,000, the most ever.
“The Women’s Fund Tiara 5K is our largest fundraiser,” said Calabrese. “We have intentionally maintained a real, family-friendly atmosphere for this race. We want moms and dads and kids to come out together on a beautiful Sunday morning and have a good time.”
They always say, said Calabrese, you don’t have to clock your best time ever – just have the best time with the ones you love.
“It’s important for us to honor women and mothers in this way,” said Calabrese. “It’s all about supporting other mothers in our community who are trying to make ends meet.
There was a kids’ fun run race in addition to the 5K, and one of the highlights of the 5K was when the winner, Michael Grasela, stopped short of the finish line to allow his young friend Alana to cross the finish line with him to come in first place, a dream of hers. Grasela sacrificed his race time to let Alana come in first place with her idol.
“This is the type of atmosphere we want for our race,” said Calabrese. “Of course, we want to raise a lot of money for our work, but in the end it’s also about love and sacrifice and family.”
As a runner, Calabrese said this race is one of the most beautiful in the area. Beginning at Oxbow Creamery, the course wraps around Ned’s Point and winds through the neighborhoods of Mattapoisett into the downhill finish line –Calabrese’s favorite part of the race.
The race started nine years ago when a group of women passionate about the Women’s Fund and about running decided to start the Mother’s Day fundraising tradition. The women they support are constantly running, Calabrese said. Pursuing higher education, working a job, and taking care of a family all at the same time. They are seeking economic independence and a living wage to support themselves and their children.
“For me personally, the race represents so many things,” said Calabrese. She said the Women’s Fund Tiara 5K is a metaphor for those women struggling for economic security and all the women who are running towards a goal. “When we work together, lean on and support each other,” said Calabrese, “we’ll all cross the finish line.”
By Jean Perry
