Dec. 11, 2013: The Seventh Annual Katie Welling Memorial Run/Walk was held, as has become tradition, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 30.

Despite the cold weather, there was a great turnout; more than 375 people gathered at the outset on the front lawn of The Bronxville School. The 2.5 mile race always elicits tears and smiles. Katie graduated from Bronxville High School in 2002 and died in an off-campus fire while a student at Miami University of Ohio in 2005.

Beth Aherne of The Bronxville School Foundation gave the following opening remarks:  "For those of you who did not know Katie or don't know the Wellings, the family embodies the strength of community and friendship. That each of you is here today is a testament to her memory and affirms to the Wellings that we continue to build on these strengths. On behalf of The Bronxville School Foundation, I would like to extend a special thank you to the Welling family and to the friends of Katie's who have organized this race for their support of this event and for everything they have done for The Bronxville School and community. Their dedication and hard work have made this annual run a huge success."

The proceeds raised from this event benefit The Bronxville School Foundation.

Before the crowd made its way to the starting line, Tom Welling, Katie's father, expressed his family's appreciation for the community support and asked everyone to keep Katie in their hearts and minds forever.

The participants this year included local residents of all ages plus friends and family in the village for the holiday weekend. Despite temperatures in the low 30s, some shorts were spotted this year!

Jennifer Kenney, one of Katie's classmates and oldest friends involved in the event since the beginning, remarked, "Somehow every year the run/walk feels more and more special. Even with the cold weather last Saturday, hundreds of familiar faces and even some new faces showed up with enthusiasm to support an event that means so much to her friends and family. Watching the winners, especially the young runners, receive their awards is heart-warming! Katie is loving every minute of it. We are very lucky!"

Waiting at the finish line were enthusiastic supporters and a post-race feast contributed by J&G Deli, Lange's Deli, and Park Place Bagels. Flowers were contributed by Mrs. Morgan's and by Tryforos & Pernice, and water bottles from the Gelfand Family. A special thank you to The Running Company Store, which underwrote the T-shirts this year and also made the store available for registration.

To view photos of the runners, click on this link:  Katie Welling Memorial Run/Walk 2013

Photos from past runs, as well as additional photos of this run, may be seen on the website of The Bronxville School Foundation at www.bronxvilleschoolfoundation.org.

Pictured here: The runners at the starting line for the Seventh Annual Katie Welling Memorial Run/Walk on November 30.

Photos courtesy Peggy Williams, Executive Director, The Bronxville School Foundation