On Sunday, June 26, 2016, hundreds of walkers and runners will take part in the 5^th Annual NOW 3.5 Mile Road Race. The event is a fundraiser for local non-profit, Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Inc. and all ages are welcome to attend. Measuring approximately 3.74 miles, the course follows a scenic route along Alexander’s Lake, starting from the Byrnes Agency in Dayville.

The day will begin with an 8:00 am Walker’s Class – designed for those who want to enjoy the course at a slower pace. At 9:00 am, children are invited to participate in the Kids ½ Mile Race, followed by fitness and nutrition activities led by NOW staff members. Then, at 9:30 am the Road Race will start, with adults, teens, and children invited to participate. NOW is offering free registration for all children aged 10 and under.

“This event is a day of fun and fitness and for 2016, we are hoping to see more families than ever,” noted Executive Director Sarah Mortensen. “Throughout the year, we partner with many youth sports organizations and we would love to see kids running the race in their jerseys or team shirts.”

For several years, the Road Race has been sponsored by Putnam Bank. This year, over two-dozen Putnam Bank employees will walk or run the course. NOW Fundraising Chair, Earl Rosebrooks stated, “We are proud to once again welcome Putnam Bank as our major sponsor. They have truly embraced the fitness focus of the NOW organization and are supporting the Race with participation as well as funds.”

Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, is a non-profit human services organization focused on youth wellness. Serving the 10-town area of Northeast Connecticut, NOW provides children with the opportunity to participate in area athletics programs, offering scholarships to the youth of the community with up to 95{935c65a732af2bdfdcd0903b52ce42ca7e95cf00c7f9fc1a7b4e2b425875eda7} of the cost being subsidized by NOW. The mission of the organization is to provide ALL children, regardless of financial resources, equal opportunities to achieve & maintain youth wellness, beginning at an early age.

Registrations are currently available online, with the first 200 runners receiving a free t-shirt and NOW water bottle.