American Legion Post 127 and Auxiliary Unit 127 had their Inaugural Leprechaun Run 5K – Fun Run last Saturday, March 16 at 109 Cassadaga Road, Lake Helen.
The Leprechaun Run 5K had a supportive start with over 200 participants. Runners came from all over the U.S., some as far north as Columbia, Missouri, in Boone County, and as far south as Homestead in Miami-Dade County, all in support of local military veterans. This new successful St. Patrick’s Day-themed race attracted runners from ages 2 to 89. Many of the runners were veterans themselves.
All funds raised from the event went toward the race for runner amenities, including race shirts, finishers’ medals, entertainment, and an awards ceremony honoring the top three male and female runners. All additional funds raised from generous sponsors were allocated to American Legion Post 127 to support and celebrate local military veterans, and their families.
The top three male runners in order were Tristian Cook, age 19, Mount Dora, Austin Ciambriello, age 35, DeLand, and Danny Mucci, age 36, Lake Helen. The top three female runners in order were Bego Lopez, age 55, DeLand, Judy Wilson, age 57, DeLand, and Ali Wiedmann, age 44, Deltona.
The Leprechaun Run provided a family fun-filled morning in support of American Legion Post 127. All participants enjoyed free pancakes after the race, and those 21 and over were offered a glass of ice-cold green beer to start their weekend of St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans. Even “Lucky” the Leprechaun, mascot to the Leprechaun Run 5K was in attendance, cheering participants and spreading his good luck.
At American Legion Post 127 and Auxiliary Unit 127, members work year-round on activities, ceremonies and fundraisers that support, celebrate and assist local military veterans and their families. These fundraisers include and are not limited to the annual Veterans Harvest Dinner on the third Saturday in October, Post 127 Bingo every odd Saturday, Post 127 Breakfast on the second Saturday of each month, and many other pop-up activities throughout the year.
If you have any questions about the Leprechaun Run 5K, American Legion and Auxiliary programs or want more information about becoming a member at either American Legion Post 127 or Auxiliary Unit 127, contact American Legion Post 127 at contactpost127@amerianlegionpost127.org or American Legion Auxiliary Unit 127 at alaflunit127@gmail.com. American Legion Post 127 and Auxiliary Unit 127 are thankful for 2024’s race participants’, volunteers’, and sponsors’ unwavering support, but mostly for supporting local veterans and their families.
— Kelly Frasca, organizer and former Lake Helen City Commissioner.
All photos by Beacon photographer Marsha McLaughlin
