As part of what has become a tradition in Cranston, Park View Middle School hosted its seventh annual Veterans Day 5K event at Roger Williams Park on Monday.
More than 600 people are estimated to have taken part in the event, which is held each year to raise funds for Operation Stand Down Rhode Island.
Opening ceremonies included the Cranston High School East JROTC Color Guard, followed by veterans and a large American flag carried by students.
Mayor Allan Fung provided greetings from the city, while a member of the Park View Student Council, 13-year-old Sophie Aptel, gave a warm welcome on a cold morning. The Park View Band greeting guests at the event by playing the national anthem.
The 1-Mile Kids Fun Run portion of the event kicked off at 8:30 a.m. with 22 runners, and the winner was Logan Seals with a time of 6 minutes, 27 seconds. The first female runner during the Fun Run was Eleanor Woodman with a time of 7 minutes, 49 seconds.
The 5K began at 9:30 a.m., with both Cranston and Providence Police motorcycles setting the pace through the park. The winner of the 5K was Bronson Venable of Warwick with a time of 15 minutes, 35 seconds. The top female finisher was Stella Loezos of Cranston with a time of 21 minutes, 13 seconds.
(Text by Meri R. Kennedy/Photos by Steve Popiel)