Each year, the Gwynedd community remembers Carolyn Keen, class of 2010, a cross-country and track runner, with the CK5K. This event helps fund a memorial scholarship awarded every year to a rising junior who exemplifies dedication to the school and perseverance. This year, the run was unique in that there was both virtual and in-person participation. It was so exciting to have the option to run at school, in person, again this year, after last year’s all virtual event. Those who participated at home between September 18^th and 26^th still had a great time and contributed to a wonderful cause.

On race day, 89 members of the Gwynedd community—students, staff, family, and friends—showed up in their blue tie-dye t-shirts to run in Carolyn’s honor. Those 89 runners, combined with the virtual 5K, the in-person 1 mile walk, and the virtual 1-mile walk, brought the total number of participants to over 100! Junior Sydney Mandato, the top finisher among Gwynedd students, says, “I had so much fun participating in the race for the scholarship fund!” Her enthusiasm for the event was matched by everybody else who ran or walked around campus on September 26^th. All the participants motivated and cheered for each other, and the energy was so inspiring! Afterward, race and walk participants gathered to spend time with family and friends and to enjoy two wonderful food trucks.

The CK5K is always such a special event for the Gwynedd community to come together and celebrate the life and memory of Carolyn Keen, and this year coming back together in person made it extra special. The walkers, runners, and virtual participants all had great experiences. Thanks to the hard work of the many organizers and event staff, this year’s two-way event was as successful and fun as ever!