Race to End Domestic Abuse set for Oct. 4
GUILFORD — The Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance’s 19th annual Race to End Domestic Abuse 5K and walk will take place on Sunday, Oct. 4. The race and walk start at 9 a.m., with the registration table opening at 8 a.m. and a community breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m. The 2015 event will feature a new location, Piscataquis Community Elementary School (PCES) at 35 Campus Drive.
The Race to End Domestic Abuse is the the flagship event of the Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. This event is the non-profit organization’s largest fundraiser, providing an opportunity to promote awareness of the issue of domestic violence and abuse while engaging community members in this movement. The race and walk are one way to show intolerance for domestic violence and bring together individuals, businesses and students to help show support to victims and survivors. Everyone is invited to join in the community event.
Pledge sheets are available on http://www.sprucerun.net and donations may be logged on www.runsignup.com or brought to the race. The entry fee will reserve a long sleeve, performance special edition T-shirt, while $100 or more in pledges earns a black fleece vest embroidered with a purple ribbon.
The timeline for the day is as follows: at 7:30 a.m. there will be a delicious community breakfast at PCES. The hearty breakfast including pancakes, bacon, eggs, muffins and much more, with admission per person and per family. At 8 a.m. on-site registration begins. Participants are encouraged to pre-register (https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Guilford/RacetoEndDomesticAbuse) and to log donations online to facilitate organization on race day.
The race and walk events begin at 9 a.m. in the PCES driveway. Runners will take a left out of the parking lot onto Blaine Avenue and will continue on taking another left onto Route 15 or Water Street, past Goulette’s IGA and the athletic field. Runners will progress to the Piscataquis River Walk, winding along the banks of the Piscataquis River during peak foliage season. The route continues to the junction of Route 23 where runners will take a left until they reach Route 15 and take another left. This will lead runners back to the school and the finish line. All participants are invited to to stay for a spirited awards ceremony.
Medals will be awarded to the first and second male and female finishers in several age groups — 10 and under, 11-19, 20-39, 40-59 and 60-plus. Race prizes will be given to first and second place overall.