In its fourteenth year, the Annual Katie Welling Memorial Run/Walk had to adapt and adjust as so many of us have in the last nine months. This wonderful Bronxville tradition, which benefits the Bronxville School Foundation, normally takes place on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. This year, however, given Covid-19 restrictions, safety and flexibility became the chief goals as Katie’s Run pivoted to a virtual event.

From November 16th to the 30th, friends, school faculty and families, community members and alumni were invited to run/walk/bike on a safe route anywhere or indoors on treadmills or stationary bikes. “Our hope was that by having the virtual event run for two full weeks and inviting participants to run, walk or bike any time and anywhere, it would offer the most flexibility,” said Lori Beecher, Bronxville School Foundation Chairperson. “While still honoring Katie, we could complete the race in any way we wished and safely.” 

Since participants could not be together in person, the Foundation’s team found ways for them to share in the event virtually.  Frequent social media posts allowed participants to stay connected, a virtual photo album was created, and a beautiful video in honor of Katie and this wonderful community event was produced by Peter Coquillette and Sean McGrath in Bronxville High School’s TV studio. 

The way that Bronxville’s school faculty and families, alumni and community members rose to the occasion was remarkable.  The virtual event raised more than $20,000 from over 200 participants and donors. 

A silver lining was that friends far and wide were able to participate even though they were not in Bronxville.  Katie’s virtual event this year clearly showed that the bonds built in this community stretch far wider than our one square mile.  Beyond the Bronxville area, people participated from California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  

People of all ages, many donning masks, came up with creative ways to participate — running, walking or biking.  “The photo gallery is just incredible,” said Lansing Martinelli, the Foundation’s Public Relations Chair. “Some participants completed the race on Peloton bikes and treadmills, while others jumped on real bikes or took runs or walks getting back to nature.” Still others honored the beloved traditions of the event that they could by taking their photos at the Bronxville School track where the race finishes each year.  

Katie Welling, a 2002 Bronxville High School graduate, died in an off-campus fire at Miami University in Ohio. She had just turned 21. Katie’s Run was established  by Katie’s many friends and her family to commemorate Katie’s wonderful sense of humor, infectious laugh, and love of life. 

Thanks to the support of the Bronxville community, Katie’s Run has generated nearly $240,000 since its inception.  Contributions to Katie’s Run allow the Foundation to fund grants for equipment, curriculum, and specialized programs at the Bronxville School. The Foundation’s work is now more critical than ever as we help the school to navigate the challenges of the pandemic.

“We are so happy that we were able to continue this very special community tradition safely and honor Katie,” said Lori Beecher.  “The spirit and love for Katie were evident, even with our unique circumstances this year.”

For more information on Katie’s Run/Walk and to view the full photo album from the 2020 virtual event, please visit https://www.bronxvilleschoolfoundation.org/ or contact Executive Director, Helena McSherry, at hmcsherry@bronxvilleschool.org.

Article written by Helena McSherry, Executive Director of the Bronxville School Foundation.