Miles for Smiles 5K a major success

Ready, Set…runners line up for the start of Miles for Smiles 5K

Approximately 250 runners and walkers lined up at 9:00am for the 9th Annual Miles for Smiles 5K Community Walk/Run on Saturday, June 1 at Smith Bridge in Plymouth. The morning rain held off, making race conditions perfect for those who participated.

The top male and female runners crossed the finish line with outstanding times. The first place male runner, Andrew Chabot, finished with a time of 16:32 while Caitlin O’Donnell, the first place female runner, crossed the finish line at 22:11.

Baby Reese participated in the Miles for Smile run decked out as the Tooth Fairy and won the Miles for Smiles Costume Award!

In one of its best years for attendance, Miles for Smiles continues to grow in its success. Participants of all ages and skill levels came from around the Lakes Region to raise funds for dental care for adults with disabilities. “It was a great race from start to finish! I am so proud to be able to contribute to such a fun event for a great cause,” said race volunteer Emily Ferrer. “Our community is so inspiring. The turnout for today’s race exceeded our expectations and we could not be more thrilled,” said Race Director Kate Fife.

Many local dental and medical professionals and businesses sponsored the race, including: Finn & Finn Beautiful Smiles, Hiller Orthodontics, Speare Memorial Hospital, Well Sense Health Plan, Mid-State Health Center, Northeast Delta Dental, Interlakes Family Dental, Region III Family Support Council, Winnisquam Dental, Children’s Dentistry of the White Mountains, Kennell Orthodontics, Brand & Sawicki DDS, Heaven Sent by Heather, Fisher Engineering PC, and Rumney Animal Hospital. “Miles for Smiles success would not have been possible without the support from local sponsors and volunteers,” added Joanne Piper Lang, LRCS Development VP.

It was a proud moment at Miles for Smiles when Ryan Toomey, who completed the 5K in his wheelchair, crossed the finish line to heartfelt cheers and honking horns!