Community Fun & Fitness Relays
 

The 5th Annual Community Fun & Fitness Relays (CFFR), held Sunday, May 21st, 2023, was a hit as ever with perfect weather (azure skies; plump, billowy clouds; and plenty of warm sunshine!) and a record number of participants and spectators. The Carbondale Community High School (CCHS) Track and Field Complex was, once again, a fantastic host site for the meet, and its wonderful staff of Gwen Poore and Thor Hadfield, along with our cadre of over 20 volunteers, ensured that the meet went smoothly. 

We are grateful for major sponsors CCHS, the Carbondale Park District (CPD), Southern Illinois Healthcare, and the over 100 participants, volunteers, and spectators who made the meet as memorable and successful as it was. Local Girl Scout troops supplied the largest number of youth participants, along with Longbranch Cafe & Bakery owner Elaine Ramseyer, who assembled a vigorous, enthusiastic pair of 4X100-Meter Relay teams to inaugurate our Senior's division of that event. Julie Grosse, Business Director of the NubAbility Athletics Foundation, this year’s CFFR local beneficiary, provided swag bags for participants and an impressive team of their staff and interns to host an informational booth, bolster our volunteer crew, and participate in various events. The CPD provided insurance coverage and a group that joined forces with several others to help officiate the meet. We so appreciate the wonderful individuals and organizations that provided donations to make our meet possible!

Along with the Senior’s 4X100-Meter Relay, we also debuted divisions of the Mile Walk, which saw our largest group of participants, including runners and walkers in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Race results and photos are available at the Results and Photos links above – have a look! Thank you, again, to everyone who took part and to the individuals below who were instrumental to the meet’s overwhelmingly positive reception:

• Carla Langan, Clare Hayes, Kathy Hollister, Shema Ruperto, & Brad Siemer - 2023 CFFR Planning Committee members

• Julie Grosse & her NubAbility Staff & Interns - NubAbility Info booth, photography, & event support

• Carbondale Mayor, Carolin Harvey - Awards Presenter

• Art Ashbrook - Race Starter

• Dave McKenzie - Meet Announcer

• Katrina Wood & Mitchell Brown - National Anthem

• Christopher, IL, Scout Troop - Opening Flag Ceremony

• Jen Conwell-Barnes and her Brehm Prep School Art & Design Students - CFFR Beneficiary Signs

• Amanda Behm & Barb Drew (of Brehm Preparatory School) - Concessions

• Wenona Whitfield - Shot Put Official

• A’veun Moore-Jones - Shot Put Official

• Niki Hoesman - Results Coordinator

• Elaine Ramseyer - Seniors’ 4X100-Meter Relay teams Coordinator

• All Timers & Event Officials

• Devin Snoddy - Lasno Photography event photos

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Thank you ALL, again, for a fantastic meet! If you joined us to compete in an event or came to cheer someone you knew on, we hope you enjoyed yourself. Join us again on Sunday, May 5th, 2024 (bring a friend or two along!), at the Carbondale Community High School for the 6th Annual CFFR!