Edgar May to host Thanksgiving Day 5k fundraiser

The Edgar May Health and Recreation Center will host the annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race and Walk Thursday, Nov. 22. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome and children under the age of 12 are free.

Thanksgiving morning is a great time to get out with friends and family for a walk or run. There will be prizes for the family with the greatest number of participants, for the most experienced participant, the participant who travelled the farthest, and the youngest walker or runner. All preregistered participants will receive a Thanksgiving Day 5K t-shirt.

The 5K Fun Run and Walk will begin and end at Springfield Hospital, at the bottom of Ridgewood Road. The route turns onto Park Street, following Park Street to Union Street and Union Street to South Street. Participants turn around at Springfield High School and head back to the starting point of the race. The course is a flat, fast course, perfect for a 5K. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the race starting at 9 a.m. The Springfield High School’s cross-country program is timing the event and will benefit from the race proceeds.

Edgar May Executive Director Christian Craig stated, “Come out and burn off some calories and you won’t feel as guilty about that second piece of pie.” 2017 had a record turnout with 151 participants coming out to walk, run, and trot. The event raises money to provide health and wellness opportunities for youth, families, and seniors in our region though the Edgar May Health and Recreation Center’s scholarship program. Participants are also encouraged to bring food donations for the Springfield Family Center.

The race is sponsored by Springfield Medical Care Systems, Mascoma Bank, the Springfield Rotary Club, Lawrence and Wheeler Insurance, Bibens Ace Hardware, ARC Mechanical, HCRS, and HB Energy. Sponsorship opportunities can be found at www.myreccenter.org/thanksgiving-day-5k. The race is also seeking volunteers. If you are interested in supporting a great event, contact Christian Craig. For more information regarding the Thanksgiving Day 5K, to register for the event, or learn about other Edgar May Health and Recreation Center programs, visit www.myreccenter.org or call 802-885-2568.