Bovina 5k Raises Over $4,700 For Local Playground

Runners received safety instructions before the start of the 2025 Bovina 5K race at Cremery Park.

Young runners practice cartwheels before the Bovina 5K race on July 26 in Cremery Park.

Second place for males went to Alton Francisco, who finished the 3.1-mile race in 17 minutes and 55 seconds.

First place for males went to Hans Hilson-Schneider, who finished the 3.1-mile race in 17 minutes and 8 seconds.

Family team Jen and Gareth Hughes finish the Bovina 5K together in around 32 minutes and 13 seconds.

Second place for females went to Gretel Hilson-Schneider, who finished the 3.1-mile race in 21 minutes and 36 seconds.

By Mary A. Crisafulli

BOVINA - The second Bovina 5K, organized in collaboration by the Catskill Mountain Club, Livestock Foundation, and local volunteers, including Alan Davidson, was held on July 26. Nearly 200 participants walked and ran the course, which began and ended at Cremery Park, with loops through Bovina Center.

In a press release, Davidson said, "The 5K isn't about the miles we run, it's about coming together and making a difference in the community."

This year, that difference will be an update to the town's wooden park. All proceeds, totaling over $4,700, will be donated to the project. The Bovina Town Council has been working to update the existing playground at the corner of County Highway 6 and Maple Avenue for over a year. The playground, last updated in 2000, requires new fencing, surface excavation, and structural updates to existing equipment. Despite funding challenges, project lead and Bovina Councilmember Jillienne LaFever announced that the project will break ground at the end of summer. With the Bovina 5K donation and a grant from the O'Connor Foundation, the project can finally proceed, she said.

The three top female runners include Kate Cochran, 18:25; Grettel Hilson-Schneider, 21:36; and Julie Hilson, 21:48. The top three male runners include Hans Hilson-Schneider, 17:08; Alton Francisco, 17:55; and Langston Comer, 18:12. Winners received pendants created by Tim Cunningham and maple syrup from Bovina Syrup. Full results can be viewed at runsignup.com.