HYSB Falcon 5K benefit draws 100-plus runners

LAKEVILLE — The inaugural Falcon 5K at Indian Mountain School took place on Saturday, Oct. 22, to support the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau. Over 100 runners set off on the hilly trails behind IMS on what proved to be a challenging course for runners.

“We couldn’t ask for a better day for this,” said Matt Andrulis-Mette, HYSB board member and unofficial race director.

Competitors in the race included students, faculty, area running enthusiasts and members of the Run 169 Towns Society, a group of runners who aspire to run a race in every town in the state of Connecticut.

Due to confusion over the official start time, the event occurred across two heats. The first group of runners set out at 9 a.m., the second at 10 a.m.

After both heats, the fastest time belonged to Kramer Peterson, cross-country coach at The Forman School in Litchfield.

“These were some of the hardest hills I’ve seen,” said Peterson.

Peterson crossed the finish line with a time of 21:25, more than 2 minutes faster than runner-up Leo Lussier’s time of 23:50. In third place, with a time of 23:52, was IMS student Miki Barrant.

In addition to the 5K, there were two fun-runs for youth competitors: a 100-meter dash and a 1-mile race. Both fun-runs were won by 11-year-old Finn Wallach.

“This is my first time racing,” said Finn. “Next year I’m doing the 3-mile race.”

The 1-mile race came down to a photo finish between Finn and older brother Jack Wallach, 12.

“He blocked me,” said Jack. “I didn’t know that wasn’t allowed,” said Finn.

Runners set off from the starting line of the inaugural Falcon 5K at Indian Mountain School on Saturday, Oct. 22. The race included more than 100 runners and benefited the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau. Photo by Riley Klein

A photo finish for the winner of the 1-mile fun-run between brothers Finn Wallach (red), the winner, and Jack Wallach (blue) during the Falcon 5K. Photo by Riley Klein

Runners set off from the starting line of the inaugural Falcon 5K at Indian Mountain School on Saturday, Oct. 22. The race included more than 100 runners and benefited the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau. Photo by Riley Klein
Related Articles Around the Web

Latest News

Six newly elected leaders join Northwest Hills Council of Governments

Jesse Bunce, first selectman of North Canaan.

Photo provided

LITCHFIELD — The Northwest Hills Council of Governments welcomed six newly elected municipal leaders Thursday, Dec. 11, at its first meeting following the 2025 municipal elections.

The council — a regional planning body representing 21 towns in northwest Connecticut — coordinates transportation, emergency planning, housing, economic development and other shared municipal services.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mountaineers fly high in preseason basketball

Ryan Segalla takes a fadeaway shot over a defender.

By Riley Klein

FALLS VILLAGE — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys basketball team defeated Pine Plains High School 60-22 in a scrimmage Tuesday, Dec. 9. The non-league preseason game gave both sides an opportunity to run the court ahead of the 2025-26 varsity season.

HVRHS’s senior-heavy roster played with power and poise. The boys pulled ahead early and kept their foot on the gas through to the end.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kent toy drive brightens holiday season

Katie Moore delivers toys to the Stuff a Truck campaign held by the Kent Volunteer Fire Department last weekend. Donated toys are collected so that parents, who need some assistance, may provide their children with gifts this Christmas. Accepting the donation are elves Fran Goodsell and Karen Iannucci

Photo by Ruth Epstein

KENT — Santa’s elves were toasty warm as they collected toys for the children of Kent.

Keeping with annual tradition, Fran Goodsell and Karen Iannucci manned the Stuff a Truck campaign sponsored by the Kent Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. Sitting in front of a fire pit in the firehouse parking lot between donations from residents, they spoke of the incredible generosity displayed every season. That spirit of giving was clear from the piles of toys heaped on a table.

Keep ReadingShow less
HVRHS releases honor roll

Housatonic Valley Regional High School

By Riley Klein

FALLS VILLAGE — Principal Ian Strever announces the first quarter marking period Honor Roll at Housatonic Valley Regional High School for the 2025-26 school year.

Highest Honor Roll

Keep ReadingShow less