Quaker Valley runner plans fundraising 5K in Leetsdale

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Quaker Valley junior River Capek is an integral member of the QV track and field program and boys cross country team.

The QV boys won their second consecutive WPIAL 3,200-meter relay title in Class 2A last year, as the team of Capek, Jonah Montagnese, Jackson Pethel and Clark LaLomia clocked in at 8:01.66. Capek also was a medalist in the 800.

Since then, he has been working diligently on his self-developed school project, a 5K fun run/walk in Leetsdale. He has chosen to create, plan and execute the race, which will be held Oct. 13 and starts and finishes at QV high school.

“I started planning this event mid-summer, but it has been something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time,” Capek said. “Currently, I am working with the QV track and field boosters and GCXC timing company to help put this event together.

“We have the support of the Quaker Valley administration and Leetsdale Borough, including both the Leetsdale police and fire departments. Our coaches and several athletes are already helping, and we expect more QV students and athletes to volunteer and to run the race.”

The event will benefit QVHS’s growing track and field program, supplying funds for needed uniforms, updated equipment and other fundamental items.

“This is both a high school project for me and a fundraiser for our track and team boosters,” Capek said in an email.

“Our high school track program consisted of 109 student-athletes in the 2023-24 season. That is about 20% of the student population at our high school. And with our current budget, there is not adequate funding to support all of our athletes and equipment. I’m hoping that by running this event, we can give our team the resources that we need.”

Capek, 16, has gained approval to conduct the race from school administrators and attended a Leetsdale council meeting where he presented his plan (with unanimous support).

Integral people who have shown support for this endeavor so far include QV coaches Ryan Kelly, Ron Graf, Jared and Laura Jones, John Doucette and Jesse Montagnese, QV high school principal Deborah Riccobelli and athletic director Mike Mastroianni, as well as teacher Nina Strelec.

Leetsdale borough council president Maria Napolitano has vowed support, as has police chief Daniel Raible. Matt Imhof is in charge of GCXC timing.

Capek is working on marketing, obtaining sponsors and soliciting the presence of food or drink trucks to be on site the day of the event.

“We are still looking for additional sponsors to help support our event,” he said. “We have tiered levels of support to fit the budget of both businesses and/or families.”

“We hope to make this event an annual Fall Fest that our community looks forward to each year,” Capek said. “All ages and abilities are welcome to walk, jog, run and most of all have fun. Food trucks and postrace games will add to the excitement of the day.”

QV’s track and field program maintained its elite status this past spring by winning both the WPIAL Class 2A boys and girls team championships. The QV girls captured their third consecutive district crown.

“Our track and boys soccer programs are both part of storied traditions at QV,” Mastroianni said. “They once again had outstanding seasons with both our girls and boys track teams capping it off with WPIAL championships on the same day.”

The Quakers had five WPIAL championship performances and 26 medalists, including 14 on the boys team and 12 on the girls team. All six relay squads medaled.

“We then took over 20 student-athletes to compete in the state championship,” Capek said, “as well as about half that number competed in nationals.”

The registration fee for the race is $30. For more information, email Qvtrackfieldboosters@gmail.com.

Tags: Quaker Valley