By Kim McDarison
The 12th annual “Run for Trey” was held Sunday, Oct. 16, at Treyton’s Field of Dreams, a baseball field in Whitewater’s Starin Park.
This year’s event featured a 5K course described by organizers as an all-terrain run/walk.
The event welcomed runners and their canine companions, and offered participants an opportunity to run onto the field at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Perkins Stadium.
Additionally, the event featured activities for children, including bounce houses, an obstacle course, balloons and raffles.
This year’s event attracted some 251 registered runners, 53 participants who did not participate in the run, but came to experience the day, and 60 volunteers. In total 364 people attended the Run for Trey, according to special education aide within the School District of Fort Atkinson and event organizer of eight years Molly Fuller.
According to the “Run for Trey” website, of the 128 identified finishers in the 5K race, Aiden McHugh came in first, with a time of 17:02, followed by Quinn McKenzie, in second place, with a time of 18:07, and Gio Anello, placing third, with a time of 18:57.
A full list of those placing in the race and their times is here: https://treysfield.org/uncategorized/12th-annual-run-for-trey-results.
Fuller said that the course, which is changed slightly each year, takes participants through the city of Whitewater, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus and Starin Park, located within the city and adjacent to campus.
Each year, the event begins with several speeches, attendees together sing the national anthem, and the racing competition portion of the program is begun. Runners cross the finish line at Treyton’s Field of Dreams within Starin Park, Fuller said.
Growth
Responding to questions by email, Fuller wrote that the event has shown signs of growth each year.
Referencing a spreadsheet produced by organizers, she noted, “This year, we had the most first-time runners, which was really exciting.”
Also different this year, she said, was the length of time people stayed after the run was completed. A goal, she added, is to extend the run to encompass kid- and family-friendly activities to create a “day for Trey.”
In keeping with that goal, this year the event featured a “Treyton Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course,” appearances made by the “Treyton Racing Sausages,” and numerous door prizes, Fuller stated.
Sharing evidence that the concept is being embraced by participants, Fuller said: “The last of the walkers crossed home plate around 11:20 (a.m.) and our last people ended up leaving the event around 1 (p.m.). It was such a wonderful family feeling having everyone stay around and enjoy this day of Trey,” Fuller said.
History and goals
Fuller said that Treyton Kilar lost his life after a car crash on Sept. 2, 2010. He was 6 years old.
Treyton is the late son of Mary Kilar, who began her tenure this school year with the School District of Fort Atkinson, serving in the role of principal at Purdy Elementary School.
Treyton enjoyed playing baseball, Fuller noted, adding that on Oct. 4, 2014, Treyton’s Field of Dreams, a youth-sized baseball field, was officially opened in his memory in Whitewater’s Starin Park.
“Family, friends, community members and strangers from all over the country provided support to make this field a reality,” Fuller wrote, adding that the field provides “a wonderful place for the youth of the area to come and enjoy baseball, just as Trey did. Funds raised in Trey’s name have also been used to build a top-notch concession stand and support maintenance for the field.”
As fundraising efforts continue with the 12th annual Run for Trey, Fuller wrote, organizers have set a new goal of providing scholarships in Kilar’s name. Four scholarships will be funded through an endowment, according to the “Run for Trey” website.
Said Fuller: “Our mission is not only to remember a boy whose life was taken far too soon, but also to use his memory to benefit both Walworth and Jefferson county communities as a whole. The original goal to build a youth-sized … baseball field has become a reality. Trey’s field provides a wonderful place for the youth of the area to come and enjoy baseball, just as Trey did. We have now built a top-notch concession stand, fund maintenance for the field, and we are funding scholarships, given in Trey’s name, to students in Jefferson and Walworth counties.”
Additionally, Fuller wrote: “Scholarships are not based on academics, (but) rather on character. Coaches and/or educators are asked to review scholarship applications that are given to students who are coachable, kind, carry a good work ethic, honest and a good teammate. In addition, the athlete must have made good choices throughout their high school career and not had any code violations. The scholarships are meant to honor the goodness in our youth and carry the hope of continued good decisions and leadership into our future.”
Fuller noted that much of the work to continue bringing advantages to the public in Kilar’s name is facilitated through volunteers.
“We have our core group of volunteers who consist of family and friends who volunteer each year. We also have numerous Whitewater and Fort Atkinson Volleyball players and numerous other high school students who help each year. Anyone is welcome to volunteer for the Run for Trey,” Fuller said. Those interested in learning more about volunteering may contact Fuller by email: fullermolly998@gmail.com.
Runners set out on a 5K course through the city of Whitewater and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus. The “Run for Trey” was held Sunday, Oct. 16. The event is in its 14th year.
Three photos above: Several runners negotiate the “Run for Trey” 5K course.
“Treyton Racing Sausages,” along with other well-wishers, greet runners near the finish line of the 5K Run for Trey race.
A young participant negotiates the “Treyton Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course.” The course, along with other family-oriented activities, are among features designed to grow the annual race from “Run for Trey,” to a “Day of Trey,” according to event organizers.
Fort Atkinson Middle School art teacher Tess Seichter prepares to decorate the face of Theodore Gehrenbeck.
Participants in a 5K run/walk, held annually in Whitewater in memory of Treyton Kilar, register. The event was held Sunday, Oct. 16. Kilar, then 6, was killed in a car crash in 2010. In the aftermath of the tragedy, family and friends rallied in support of building a baseball field in his name. The field opened in Whitewater’s Starin Park in 2014. Proceeds from the annual run, which is in its 14th year, are used, in part, to support the field. Additional resources are used to offer scholarships to area youth athletes.
Tom Ganser photos.
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