Join the Three Rivers Promise at Armstrong Park on Saturday April 15 at 9 a.m. for the second annual Run for the Future 5K and one mile Fun Run/Walk. All proceeds from the event, which will include a post-race celebration with drinks, food, and awards, will benefit the Three Rivers Promise.
The Three Rivers Promise is a nonprofit college scholarship program for Three Rivers High School graduates that aims to aid those students in the successful completion of a college or vocational degree. The Promise is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a nine-member board directing its activities. Its goals are to provide financial assistance for college or vocational education, to achieve a 100% graduation rate for Three Rivers Community Schools, and to contribute to the education and economic development of the Three Rivers community. The Promise is funded through donations and a growing endowment fund. All contributions to the fund and endowment are tax-deductible and more information can be found on the organization’s website.
Racers who signed up before March 18 will receive a race t-shirt, swag bag, and potential awards, however, walk-up registrations on race day are also welcome. Early packet pick-up is available from 4-7 p.m. at Lowry’s Books & More located at 22 N. Main St. Race day pricing for the 5K Fun Run/Walk is $35, and the pricing for the one mile Fun Run/Walk is $25.
Awards will be presented for the fastest overall male racer and overall female racer, and the age division for awards will be presented for age groups 17 and under, 18–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, and 60 and over. Timing and scoring will be performed by Mac’s Sports Timing using ChronoTrack technology. According to Mac’s website, ChronoTrack Systems is an industry-leading provider of race solutions for race organizers and timing companies. Its hardware and software solutions paired with Mac’s Sports Timing provides the most comprehensive set of timing, race management, and live race services available. The results from Saturday’s race will be posted immediately after the event on the website.
According to an announcement from the Promise’s Facebook page, Armstrong Park will be bustling with activity between the 5k and one mile Fun Run, American Youth Soccer Organization games, and a softball tournament. Parking space will be limited, therefore, Promise event organizers are asking participants and attendees to carpool if possible. The announcement also explains the logistics of the course saying, “A significant portion of the 5k course uses an adjacent field. While the weather has been dry and the field is currently mud-free, you will be running on dirt. The 1 mile course is entirely paved.”
Mayor and Three Rivers Promise Board President Tom Lowry told Watershed Voice the previous year’s Fun Run took place at Three Rivers Meyer Broadway Park, but moved to Armstrong Park after discovering how difficult the Meyer Broadway course was for participants. “We moved it to a flatter location and that’s the Armstrong Sports Complex,” Lowry said. “We found a route that makes 5K there and we encourage all the runners to come out and support us. It’s a good fundraiser for us, and it’s a great cause.”
Race day packet pickup will be from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., race day registration is from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and the race will begin at 9 a.m. Armstrong Park is located at 1607 N. Main St.
Beca Welty is a staff writer and columnist for Watershed Voice.
