The ANDIAMO 5k

Andiamo! Timed 5K Run – Untimed 1 mile walk – Kids Fun Run 

The Iconic Seaside Park  from the Perry Memorial Arches at the start of Park Ave.

Saturday Oct 12, 2024 

Bridgeport, CT 06604   

Hosted by 

CIAS (Council of Italian American Organizations of Greater Bridgeport, Inc)

BACIO (Bridgeport Area Cultural Italian Organizations)

Our goal is to bring the community together with a morning of active fun in Bridgeport’s most beautiful shoreline and historic public places.

Honoring the rich Italian-American heritage of Bridgeport on the Columbus Day Weekend has been a long tradition for the Italian-American Societies!

So we say ANDIAMO!  LET’S GO and CELEBRATE!

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band will be in concert at the Klein Memorial over the weekend. They will also be with us and will play the National Anthem at start. 
 
WE OFFER THREE EVENTS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE ALL ABILITIES AND AGE LEVELS-  all held entirely within the park and closed to traffic. 

OUR 5K (3.11m) route is accurately measured and starts from the Perry Memorial Arch.  The course provides a scenic tour along the coast on very flat and accessible roads and sidewalks with beautiful water views. You can run or walk in our computer timed 5k event, Our courses are well marked with signs, cones, mile splits, and volunteers. It has been designed to keep you safe and free from traffic. ONLY 5K finishers are eligible for awards. 

OUR ONE MILE WALK is a wonderful alternative for those not wanting to take on the 5k distance. Families, youngsters, adults, stroller can enjoy a great one mile loop within Seaside Park. This event is untimed and participants are not eligible for awards. 

OUR FREE KIDS FUN RUN & SCAMPER is for 9 years and under ONLY. Parents/guardians can accompany the kids if needed (to avoid drama!). This untimed fun run is directed by Donna Cramond. Don't miss her warm up routime!

NOTE- there is a 250 limit for this event. Don’t get shut out!

WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED – enjoy snacks,Italian themed refreshments and fluids. Gather with friends and community members on the lawn. We hope this event will bring people together, promote connections and join in support of our charities.  And maybe an informal bocce game will break out!
 
PROCEEDS AND DONATIONS will be divided between the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and scholarships programs provided by CIAS and BACIO 
 
REGISTRATION FEES -ALL AGES FOR THE 5K AND ONE MILE (KIDS RUN IS FREE): 
Early fees till 10/6   $30 for runners and walkers 19 and over.     Fees increase $5  10/7-10/12
                                   $25 for runners and walkers 18 and under - remain the same through 10/12

T-shirts: Guaranteed to all paid participants through 9/30. After that as available and we could run out.   Register in time and get this inaugural collector’s item! 

AWARDS –    5K finishers only 
Overall            M& F Champions 
First Place      M & F  -Marine Corps Runners 
1st place:        M & F  in age groups: 9 & under, 10-13, 14-18. 19-29. 30-39. 40-49, 50-59, 60-69,  70+ (80+ awards only if pre reg by 10/1) 

OUR COURSE map: will be posted soon 
Our Mile Walk Course – is the first mile+ of the run course. 
Both events start in the same place at the same time. Walkers will follow runners. 
 
PRE RACE PACKET PICKUP Friday, Oct 11, 3-7pm BASS PRO SHOPS OUTDOOR WORLD,

1 Bass Pro Drive, Bridgeport, CT 
 
EVENT MORNING 10/12
7:20- 8:25 am: Check-in Bib Pickup and late ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY (please bring phone or IPad to register) 
8:15 am: FREE kids run for 9 years old & under 
8:25 am: Announcements, Introductory remarks and National Anthem 
8:30 am, Start of the  5K and one mile walk, same place, same time, in front of the arch  

8:45 am AWESOME ITALIAN DELICACIES!  MANGIA! 
          VAZZY’S pizza          MICALLIZI’S Italian Ice        LUIGI’S CANOLI PIE COMPANY -          

                                              expect more to be added ! 
9:45 am: Awards Presentation or sooner if everyone is finished 

EVENT VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED AS ARE EVENT SPONSORS/PARTNERS!

Please help us establish a great first time event which we hope will become a tradition.

CONTACT EVENT COORDINATOR  Dottie Luperiello  DADOFR1@aol.com 

RACE DIRECTOR & LOGISTICS: 
The event consultant is Marty Schaivone - MS Running Productions. MSRP has managed running events Fairfield County sine 1991 including many in Bridgeport- the Black Rock Run for the Rock, The Bridgeport Hospital Homerun, the Aquarion 5K, & the very popular Vicki Soto 5K from the amphitheater. 

Contact Marty for information on this event and many of the other 30+ races he directs-  msrunningproductions@yahoo.com