When Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School cross country coach Bethany Sylvia needed money for new uniforms, she decided to have the school run for it.

On January 28, Sylvia and Athletic Department Head Matt Trahan hosted the first “Frosty Runner Road Race” with 227 runners from Cape Cod, Rhode Island, Boston and locally giving their all in a 5-mile and 10-mile race.

Sylvia, who also teaches computer-aided design, said holding the race in January was a key part of her plan.

“We heard that a lot of people in the area who run in marathons were looking for something fun to do for their training then, so why not do it for us?” she said.

Karen Guenette, who teaches computer information at Old Colony, said the large turnout for the race was probably because of the winter.

“I think the timing was really important,” Guenette said. “People are looking for activities to do outside.”

Lisa Silva, bookkeeping assistant for Old Colony, agreed.

“We’ve had so many positive remarks from the runners,” Silva said. “They were so happy to have a run take place in January when there is not much else going on.”

Cohasset resident Joseph Carroll was the first man to cross the finish line in the 5-mile race. Carroll said he was happy to run, knowing the importance of school athletics.

“I think it’s key for the kids to be able to do athletics, because it keeps them busy and
then they’re less likely to go down the wrong path,” Carroll said. “Plus, it’s good for overall health.”

Somerville resident Julie Dragon placed first among the women in the 5-mile race. Dragon said she regularly participates in 5-mile runs and was happy to run on January 28 for Old Colony athletics.

“I think it keeps people in good shape and helps keep them connected with others,” Dragon said. “It gives them discipline.”

So, how did the other runners hold up after 5 miles?

Ainslee Banks, 11, said she was feeling the burn, but that would not stop her from participating in the race again.

“The hills and the flat roads were especially painful,” Banks said. “I’m going home and taking a nap.”

In the 10-mile race, Scott Anderson of New Bedford claimed the top spot, finishing with a time of 1:01:09. Following Anderson were Danny Croteau of Acushnet, with 1:02:16, and Steve Dowsett of Fall River with 1:02:34.

For the ladies in the 10-mile run, Meris Tombari of Bristol, Rhode Island finished first with a time of 1:19:06. Allyson Rafferty of Taunton took second with 1:20:49, and Brigid Conlon of Providence, Rhode Island finished third at 1:21:07.

Overall, Sylvia said the race was a success and hopes this will be the first of many Frosty Runner Road Races at Old Colony.

“We couldn’t have asked for better weather or a better group of people to show up,” Sylvia said. “We definitely met our goal and now we can get our team cross country uniforms. Hopefully next year will be bigger and better.”