'Road Scholars' fund-raiser scheduled
By Melissa Muntz Community Reporter

Shrewsbury - As the school budget tightens each year, many people have been looking for a way to help out. Now they'll have their chance.

Organizers of the Shrewsbury Road Scholars 5K/ Fun Run said the event is designed to bring the community together to support Shrewsbury schools while promoting overall health and wellness.

"First, participants can choose to run or walk, and they can do either a 5K or 1-mile route. We hope this flexibility allows entrants to choose a level of activity that is both enjoyable and appropriate to their abilities," Shrewsbury Public Schools Volunteer Activity Coordinator Beth McCollum said. "We hope the cost of the event, $15 (which includes a T-shirt) for pre-registration by April 21 and $20 race-day registration, makes it aff ordable for those who would like to participate. [And] a 5K/fun run allows people to enjoy being outdoors on a spring day for a good cause."

McCollum said there are 19 people helping to organize the first annual event, but they're looking to the community to help pull together the final details.

"We can always use more help, and on race day we will need many volunteers to monitor the route, help at the registration tables, and assist at the race start and finish," she said.

The planning committee is also teaming up with some local businesses as sponsors, which have helped by providing funding, food and beverages for the event day and gift cards to be given away as prizes.

Dunkin' Donuts of Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury Health and Racquet Club, UMass Memorial Health Care, Daniels Insurance Agency Inc., Foley Motorsports, and Polar Beverages have all chipped in to help sponsor the event, and gift cards have been provided by Target, Black Diamond Coffee, Pepperoni Express and Salon Sogno.

McCollum said she is expecting about 200 people to participate in the event, which will be held at noon Sunday May 4. The event will begin and end at Oak Middle School.

The 5K and Fun Run are open to people of all ages, however children under 18 will need a guardian's permission.

Proceeds from the race will go to the Citizens for Education Fund to purchase books and materials and to support innovative programs.

Anyone who would like to register for the Shrewsbury Road Scholars 5K/Fun Run can do so by visiting www. shrewsburyroadscholars.org. For more information, contact Beth McCollum at emccollum@ shrewsbury.k12.ma.us or at 508-841-8400 for more information.