Runners Unite for Officer Brian A. Aselton Memorial Snow Dash
Over 220 runners came together to run the Officer Brian A. Aselton Memorial Snow Dash on January 6, 2019. This year was the 27th running of the Snow Dash, which is held in memory of East Hartford Officer Brian A. Aselton, who lost his life in the line of duty in 1999. The race was renamed for Officer Aselton in 2000.
This year’s runners ranged in age from 9 to 82, and hailed from East Hartford, as well as surrounding towns and some even came from out of state. Many runners arrived wearing race apparel from previous years, showing that they annually support the cause.
Just before the start, a moment of silence was held to remember and reflect on the loss of Officer Aselton, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the East Hartford community. While cold and rainy earlier on, the rain held off during the entire duration of the race. The sun even started to peek out and some light flurries began falling despite the relatively warm (45 degree plus) temperatures.
During the race, runner Stephen Paddock from Glastonbury took the lead early on and maintained it for the entire 3.1 miles, finishing in first place with a time of 15:48, at a 5:05 minute mile pace. The first East Hartford male resident to finish was Chris Vann, and the first female East Hartford resident to finish was Shannon Williams. Full race results and division standings are available online.
Several residents lined the course to cheer on the runners, and a group of police cadets from the Hartford Police Academy ran in cadence and helped to motivate other runners.
The post-race ceremony included light refreshments, hot chocolate, and awards for the top three finishers in each age group, in both male and female divisions, with a special awards division for police officers.
This event was made possible with the assistance of East Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Public Works, the Parks Department, as well as Parks and Recreation staff. Discount Trophy of East Hartford donated all of the commemorative engraved awards, at a $1700 value.
Proceeds from the race will benefit the Officer Brian A. Aselton Memorial Scholarship Fund and East Hartford Police Department Child Safety and Crime Prevention Programs. The Town of East Hartford, the East Hartford Police Department and the East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department would like to thank everyone who attended, supported the event and cheered on the runners.