BURRILLVILLE – It will be a scenic run through the side streets of Burrillville to raise money for a worthy cause.
And Col. Stephen Lynch wants to know which local emergency response team has what it takes to participate – and complete it the fastest.
The Burrillville Prevention Action Coalition’s first 5K run/walk will take place on Sunday, Sept. 29 starting at Burrillville High School. The event will raise funds for BPAC, a volunteer task force focused on substance abuse prevention efforts in town.
The organization, which has grown under the direction of Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator Monica Blanchette, supports prevention initiatives aimed at local youth and adults, from alcohol-free social events, to scholarships for students choosing a substance-free lifestyle.
Conducted like other races of its kind, the 5K will utilize timers, and participants will be issued bibs. Awards will be given to the fastest runner, as well as winners in seven categories.
Following a challenge issued earlier this month by Lynch, it will also include awards for the local fire or police department that brings in the most participants, along with acknowledgement of the team with the fastest time.
“It will be a healthy competition between departments,” Lynch said, noting to BPAC members, “All the money is going to come back to this program here.”
“It’s a fundraiser for BPAC, so that we can fund youth programing for summits, conferences, scholarships and other programs,” said Blanchette. “The date is coming up quick.”
The mostly flat, scenic 3.1 mile fall run will take participants from the high school along Whipple Avenue crossing Route 102 onto Oakland School Street. It will then loop around the village of Oakland along Victory Highway and back onto Whipple Avenue before returning runners and walkers to the starting point.
“The more you can get registered, the better, and it doesn’t matter if you walk or run,” said Lynch.
The race will start at 9 a.m. and participation costs $25. Participants can register online, and the organization will also help those who would like to register but don’t have computer skills to sign up at the police department at 1477 Victory Highway.
