Sophomore Ashton Raymer runs 5k in full fire gear
On October 28, 2017, Farragut sophomore Ashton Raymer, along with his father, Lt. Derek Raymer, participated in the second annual Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5k in Clearwater, Florida.
The Foundation honors the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001, and raises money for homeless veterans, firefighters, and law enforcement officers.
Not only did Ashton and his father run in the 5k, but they did so in full fire gear.
“This is something we wanted to do together,” Ashton said. “My dad had an extra fire uniform so I used his old gear. It was a difficult run because the suit is fire retardant, so it gets super hot. Thankfully it was a cool day but the suit was also really heavy and baggy. It definitely slowed me down.”
Ashton placed 2nd as the only one wearing Firefighting Bunker Gear and Helmet in his male age group (15-19) and 22nd overall with a time of 26:52.
“I do about 5k a week, running in cross country and in my own free time,” Ashton said, “and I’ve been in 5ks before, like the Color Run and the Warrior Dash.”
Father and son are making this an annual tradition and will bring the entire family next year.
In addition to Cross Country, Ashton also participates in the Orienteering Club, Drill Team, the Color Guard, Wrestling, Lacrosse, and Boy Scouts, where he is currently in charge of the troop.
“I try to organize outings where we give back often,” Ashton said. “I’m also working on becoming an Eagle Scout. I’ll be working on my project next month at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, a 245-acre protected area in St. Petersburg, where they need proper trash receptacles. I’ll be putting in wooden boxes that will protect the cans from animals and from blowing away in the wind.”
Congratulations to Ashton, and we look forward to seeing what else he accomplishes. If you have a story about an outstanding Farragut student, please email communications@farragut.org.
