THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN AND
SUPPORTED THIS YEAR’S EVENT ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1ST!


SPEF’s 11th annual 5K Walk & Run brought the Stamford community together in record numbers for fun, fitness and to show they care about public education! With over 750 registrants and a newly added SPEFy Fun Run for those under 12, this year’s 5K was one to remember! Congratulations to this year’s first place winners, siblings Elias Hubbard (29 years old) and Bianca Parrotta (15-year-old Stamford High student)!

Special thanks to The U, which warmed up the walkers and runners before they hit the course, Stamford High’s Esther Jean Charles, who delivered a beautiful performance of the National Anthem, and Dr. Tamu Lucero, who provided wonderful commentary from both the stage and within the crowd on the Mill River lawn.

Following the 5K, SPEF’s family-friendly FallFest was a hit! SPEF’s FallFest included interactive, hands-on activities for kids (presented by Kids Helping Kids and other community partners), SPEF’s Books Across Stamford book giveaway, tasty fall treats – and more!


Highlights of the 2023 SPEF 5K Walk & Run included:

The 2023 MarcUS for Change Spirit Award was presented to Westhill High School

Spirited performances by the Stamford High and Westhill High Cheer Teams

Stamford High School Esther Jean Charles singing the National Anthem

Students under 12 participating in our newly added SPEFy Fun Run

SPEF’s FallFest followed, with families visiting tables hosted by community organizations, such as Kids Helping Kids, Books Across Stamford, the Office of Family and Community Engagement, Cradle to Career, and the Boys and Girl Scouts. There were arts & crafts, fall activities, face painting, and a hospitality tent with snacks.

Thank you to Hey Stamford! for covering our event. Photo albums commemorating the 5K and FallFest can be found here:

(Special thanks to our photographers:  Denice Laveris, John Martin, and Cristian Pimienta) 

If you did not have the opportunity to support SPEF with a donation, there’s still time. Please consider making a donation.

We are grateful for our 2023 SPEF 5K Sponsors