The Divine Redeemer Catholic School: School helps revive 5K race

“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.”

— 2 Timothy 4: 7-8

By Phil Brown|
Contributing Writer

FORD CITY – St. Paul, history’s greatest evangelist, talks about his leadership of Gentiles to Christ in terms of an athletic competition with rewards from the Lord for those who ran the race well.

Students, teachers and loyal supporters of The Divine Redeemer School have learned that running a good race offers rewarding opportunities to practice the Catholic faith and evangelize through service as leaders in restoring a cherished event to a community that has long supported the school’s mission of faith-based education.

In 2023, a group of school parents revived the community’s popular 5K run, which had fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The post-pandemic 32nd Ford City 5K attracted 487 runners who crossed the finish line. The number swelled to 628 finishers in the 2024 race, the largest number since 2012.

Parent Alan Buriak, race co-coordinator, said restoring the race was a great way to achieve the long-term goal of solidifying the school as a pillar of the Ford City community.

“We do believe that the race is a way to put our Catholic faith to work to help our community,” Buriak said. “The race itself generates many positive effects such as encouraging exercise and healthy lifestyles among all ages, demonstrating the value of volunteerism in the community and bringing people in to showcase our area and benefit local businesses.

“In addition to the direct financial assistance that the race generates, the stature of our school is certainly enhanced because there is an outpouring of gratitude toward our school families who worked so hard to bring the event back to the community,” he said.

The Ford City 5K was started in 1989 by a group led by Dr. Jim Solak as part of Ford City Heritage Days. The race grew in popularity and at its peak attracted nearly 900 finishers.

Heritage Days faded into history; the race survived but with fewer participants. In 2020 and 2021, the race was canceled due to COVID-19. Organization of the race changed hands in 2021. With no group to sponsor it in 2022, a group of Divine Redeemer School families led by Andrea Arco and Buriak approached Ford City Borough about resurrecting it.

“This was an opportunity for the school to take an expanded role in the community and restore a cherished area tradition,” Buriak said. “The borough and greater community embraced our efforts to restore the Ford City 5K and supported us in many ways.”

Ford City Borough approved a seat on the Celebration in the Park committee for race organizers, local fire departments and police helped to block streets and direct traffic, and more than 50 local volunteers helped on race day, Buriak said.

“Most importantly, members of the community returned to participate in a race they had done many times before but that they feared would never occur again,” he said. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

A half-mile children’s race has been added, this year attracting 87 youthful runners. Live music, food vendors and other children’s activities enhance the race and make it a regional event.

“Divine Redeemer School has a long history and deep ties to the community of Ford City and has relied on tremendous community support over the years,” Buriak said. “The school always must depend on community support, but by giving back in this way, it completes a circle of sorts.”

The next Ford City 5K will be run July 5, 2025, at 9 a.m.

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