Rae of Sunshine 5K
- Date Sat 28th June 2025
- Time 9:00AM EST
- Location Pittston, Pennsylvania
- Price $23.00
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
Event summary
Join us for the Rae of Sunshine 5K on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in beautiful Pittston, Luzerne, as we celebrate the vibrant spirit of Raeann Rose Merlino. This uplifting event not only honors her memory but also supports a memorial scholarship in her name. The 5K run kicks off at 9:00 AM, starting and finishing at the Pittston Area Primary Center, with the course taking you through the charming streets of Hughestown Boro.
Participants can enjoy a day filled with camaraderie and purpose, as awards will be given to the top finishers across various age groups, along with cash prizes for the top male and female runners. The first 50 registrants will also receive a special Rae of Sunshine 5K T-shirt, so don’t miss out! With an emphasis on community and remembrance, this event promises to be a heartwarming tribute that brings people together while supporting a worthy cause. Sign up today and be a part of this special day!
Participants can enjoy a day filled with camaraderie and purpose, as awards will be given to the top finishers across various age groups, along with cash prizes for the top male and female runners. The first 50 registrants will also receive a special Rae of Sunshine 5K T-shirt, so don’t miss out! With an emphasis on community and remembrance, this event promises to be a heartwarming tribute that brings people together while supporting a worthy cause. Sign up today and be a part of this special day!
Organiser's Description
THIS RACE HAS BEEN CREATED TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF RAEANN ROSE MERLINO AND RAISE FUNDS FOR THE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP IN HER NAME.
Raeann Rose Merlino, 10, of West Pittston, departed from this world Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, after a brief battle with the flu and RSV.
Her untimely passing has left her loved ones with unimaginable sorrow in their hearts, for she was a beacon of love that effortlessly filled one with joy.
Raeann, born to Jamie Merlino and Dawn Gazda on June 25, 2012, is remembered for her energetic, caring and strong-willed personality.
She was a fifth-grade student in the Wyoming Area School District. Twirling and giggling, Rae was constantly dancing with exceptional rhythm. Her love of dance led her to cheerleading, which became a passion and outlet for her creativity and energy. Empathetic to her core, compassion for animals, especially her canine companion, Gus, was abundant in Rae.
Raeann was always eager to help, whether at the Hughestown Fire Department, the Pittston Memorial Library or her grandparents' house. She had many friends, all of whom can agree that she made life brighter for anyone lucky enough to meet her. Water was certainly her element, and most of her summers were spent swimming with family and friends. Her freckled, smiling face was an embodiment of summer, and her shining spirit a drop of sunshine on Earth.
RACE DAY
* Pre-entry packet pickup will begin at 8:00 am at the entrance to the Pittston Area Primary Center, Rock Street, Hughestown.
*Pick-up will be organized by A-L and M-Z lines.
COURSE
*Through the streets of Hughestown Boro
HYDRATION
*Individual water bottles will be available at the finish.
*Bring your own water if needed while running.
PLACE
The 5K Run starts and finishes at the Pittston Area Primary Center.
SWAG
*The Rae of Sunshine 5K T-Shirt giveaway to the first 50 runners or walkers to register. There will be no giveaway after June 10, 2025.
Race Day: Saturday June 28, 2025 @9:00 AM
There will be race day registration. The fee increases to $30.00.
How It Works:
Awards ceremony will be held after the race.
Age group Medal Awards will be 10-year age span.
5K RUN AWARDS: Cash Award of $50.00 will be given to the top Female & Male Run finisher.
Awards will be given to the top 3 males and top 3 female runners in the following divisions:
0-9
10-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70+
1 MILE WALK AWARDS: The top 3 Male walk winners will receive a medal.
The top 3 Female walk winners will receive a medal.
1 MILE YOUTH WALK AWARDS: The top 3 male & female walkers will receive a medal.
Raeann Rose Merlino, 10, of West Pittston, departed from this world Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, after a brief battle with the flu and RSV.
Her untimely passing has left her loved ones with unimaginable sorrow in their hearts, for she was a beacon of love that effortlessly filled one with joy.
Raeann, born to Jamie Merlino and Dawn Gazda on June 25, 2012, is remembered for her energetic, caring and strong-willed personality.
She was a fifth-grade student in the Wyoming Area School District. Twirling and giggling, Rae was constantly dancing with exceptional rhythm. Her love of dance led her to cheerleading, which became a passion and outlet for her creativity and energy. Empathetic to her core, compassion for animals, especially her canine companion, Gus, was abundant in Rae.
Raeann was always eager to help, whether at the Hughestown Fire Department, the Pittston Memorial Library or her grandparents' house. She had many friends, all of whom can agree that she made life brighter for anyone lucky enough to meet her. Water was certainly her element, and most of her summers were spent swimming with family and friends. Her freckled, smiling face was an embodiment of summer, and her shining spirit a drop of sunshine on Earth.
RACE DAY
* Pre-entry packet pickup will begin at 8:00 am at the entrance to the Pittston Area Primary Center, Rock Street, Hughestown.
*Pick-up will be organized by A-L and M-Z lines.
COURSE
*Through the streets of Hughestown Boro
HYDRATION
*Individual water bottles will be available at the finish.
*Bring your own water if needed while running.
PLACE
The 5K Run starts and finishes at the Pittston Area Primary Center.
SWAG
*The Rae of Sunshine 5K T-Shirt giveaway to the first 50 runners or walkers to register. There will be no giveaway after June 10, 2025.
Race Day: Saturday June 28, 2025 @9:00 AM
There will be race day registration. The fee increases to $30.00.
How It Works:
Awards ceremony will be held after the race.
Age group Medal Awards will be 10-year age span.
5K RUN AWARDS: Cash Award of $50.00 will be given to the top Female & Male Run finisher.
Awards will be given to the top 3 males and top 3 female runners in the following divisions:
0-9
10-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70+
1 MILE WALK AWARDS: The top 3 Male walk winners will receive a medal.
The top 3 Female walk winners will receive a medal.
1 MILE YOUTH WALK AWARDS: The top 3 male & female walkers will receive a medal.
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