Region – The United Way of Tri-County (UWTC) will hold its first 5K Run/Walk Saturday, Oct. 15. Funds raised will help support three essential community programs including the United Way’s Ready to Read early literacy program, Call2Talk, their mental health and suicide help line, three food pantries and two hot meal programs, located at the Pearl Street Cupboard and Café in Framingham, the Marlborough Community Cupboard, and WHEAT Community Connections in Clinton.
Runners and walkers can register for $25 by visiting the United Way’s website at www.uwotc.org/5K. Early birds who register by Monday, Sept. 12, are eligible for a race t-shirt and kids ages 14 and under can register at a discount of $20. Registration will continue through Monday, Oct. 10, and will also be available on race day from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. for $30.
“You don’t need to be a seasoned runner to come out and participate,” Paul Mina, UWTC president and CEO, said. “It’s all about having fun with a group of friends, family or coworkers, while doing something good for the community.”
Fundraising is not a requirement to participate but if you choose to, the United Way has made it easy to support the programs you care about. Through an updated website, participants can set up a personal fundraising page and send links to friends, family and coworkers, or post on social media. The United Way can also create team pages so businesses or individuals wishing to fundraise as a team can do so. There will be special prizes and recognition for teams including a Team Spirit and Top Fundraiser awards.
The race will begin and end at the United Way offices located 46 Park St. in Framingham at 9 a.m., rain or shine. The course is quick, flat, and will be chipped-timed. After the race there will be music, refreshments and activities for kids, including face painting and a balloon artist, as well as vendor tables. After the run, awards for overall male and female winners along with age category winners will be announced.
The United Way would like to thank Avidia Bank and Southboro Medical Group, a division of Reliant Medical Group, who have generously come forward to support the event. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.
More information about the 5K run/walk, including registration forms, sponsorship opportunities, vendor tables, volunteer openings, directions, and parking can be found on the United Way of Tri-County website at www.uwotc.org/5K. If you still have questions, contact race director Sandy Baldi at [email protected] or call 508-370-4873.
