The 22nd Annual NHTI-Concord’s Community College and Northeast Delta Dental 5K Road Race brought over 300 people together on Friday, April 17. This marked the second event in the Capital Area Race Series (CARS).
“This race is a kickoff of our community’s spring season,” explained Tom Raffio, President & CEO of Northeast Delta Dental. “For many years, we’ve partnered to create this tradition that brings together runners of all ages, from the smallest sprinters in the Kids Fun Run to our local student-athletes and neighbors. We are incredibly proud to see this event grow every year.”
Cody Symonds from Alexandria took home the first-place prize with a blazing 15:42. Top honors for women went to Mary Klene from Manchester, who crossed the line with an impressive 18:52. NHTI Lynx, Christian Forsythe, proudly took home first place in the men’s 15-19 division.
The evening kicked off with a Kids Fun Run and wrapped up with the beloved NHTI and Northeast Delta Dental BBQ. The race also doubled as the second event in the “Battle of the Bridge” competition between NHTI and Northeast Delta Dental.
“We have a shared goal to promote wellness and build team spirit, so we’ll be stoking some friendly competition,” said NHTI director of athletics and campus life, Annie Mattarazzo.
Northeast Delta Dental took the “Battle of the Bridge” win at Friday’s race, with their team outpacing the Lynx in average running times. Next up, the organizations will compete at a softball game on June 13.
Proceeds from the NHTI and Northeast Delta Dental 5K benefited the Jennifer Kemp Memorial Scholarship Fund at NHTI, which supports students who excel academically and stay actively engaged in campus life and community service.
To learn more about supporting NHTI’s scholarship opportunities and athletic programs, visit givenhcc.org. For more information about the Capital Area Race Series, visit runcarsnh.com.
Photo: NHTI-Concord’s Community College and Northeast Delta Dental 5K Road Race hosts and winners (left to right): Saleena Ramboer (third place for women), Russell Leino (third place for men), Rachel Jastrebsky (second place for women), Annie Mattarazzo (NHTI director of athletics and student life), Tom Raffio (Northeast Delta Dental President & CEO), David Chorney (second place for men), Mary Klene (first place for women), Cody Symonds (first place for men, overall race winner).
About NHTI-Concord’s Community College
NHTI-Concord’s Community College is committed to cultivating potential in every learner. Through more than 70 academic programs, we equip students with the skills and knowledge that power New Hampshire’s future. We deliver a comprehensive college experience—including on-campus housing, competitive athletic programs, and vibrant student clubs and organizations—that allow 4,600 students annually to advance in their careers and embrace lifelong learning. We are a proud member of the Community College System of New Hampshire, and have maintained accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education since 1969.
About Northeast Delta Dental
Northeast Delta Dental, a nonprofit member company of Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA), is the region’s most trusted name in dental insurance for companies of all sizes, individuals, and families. Founded in 1961, the company, comprised of the Delta Dental Plans of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, administers dental benefits for more than 1,121,320 people, with a network of 1,935 participating dentists, or 84% of the total dentists in the tri-state area. Northeast Delta Dental’s mission is to advance the dental health and overall wellness of its customers and the communities it serves. In addition to funding oral health initiatives, the company supports numerous organizations and events important to the communities through a corporate grant application process. Visit NEDelta.com for more information.