It’s that time of year to dust off the running sneakers and hit the streets of Barrington for the 12th annual Nayatt 5K run/walk taking place Saturday, April 7.

This year's event is titled "See you at the finish” and organizers expect to draw both local and traveling runners and walkers alike. The event will go off rain or shine. 

Event chairwoman Claudia Maiorana said plans for the day are shaping up nicely and many sponsors have returned again this year.

“We are happy to welcome back Jaffe Orthodontics as our title sponsor, a longtime supporting family to our 5K and also runners themselves,” Mrs. Maiorana said.

The race is organized by the Nayatt PTO. All proceeds from the event will help fund programs for Nayatt School children, including classroom equipment purchases, playground upgrades, physical education programs, music and language classes, library book purchases, and much more.

TV meteorologist Mark Searles, who is also a Nayatt parent, will act as master of ceremonies.

In an added bonus to participants, each class will have a basket at a raffle table. From science to spa day there will be something to interest every age.

There are events for the whole family including a 1-mile race, a kid’s 50-yard dash, and the 5K which is set to begin at 10 a.m.

Warm-ups will be done by Cardioglow and, weather permitting, there will be a rock wall for attendees to enjoy.

“This event raises more than $20,000 for the PTO which helps give teachers additional funds to support their educational goals with students," said Mrs. Maiorana. "It brings the level of teaching to the exceptional status that has gained Nayatt School the Blue Ribbon Award by the U.S. Department of Education."

The annual 5K winds through the neighborhoods surrounding Nayatt School and along the banks of the Barrington River.

The race is USATF sanctioned and the course is certified by Ray Nelson. The family walk/runs will take place before the 5K on the school grounds.

“This year we will say goodbye to two longstanding and special committee members, Susan D’Andrea (registration) and Michelle Phanuef (marketing) as their children move on to Hampden Meadows. A special thank you for the years of hard work they have put into our event and expertise they are handing down,” Mrs. Maiorana said.

More than 1,200 participants and spectators are expected to take part in a full day of activities including a sponsor’s showcase and raffles.

Online registration closes March 29 and can be done through the site: www.Nayatt5k.me. In person registration will begin early Saturday morning.

Saturday, April 7  

Nayatt Elementary School 

• 7:15 a.m. — Registration opens   

• 9 — Family 1-mile run/walk   

• 9:35 — 50-Yard dash fun runs

• 10 — 5K run/walk