On Saturday, September 16, 2017, the quiet streets of Alexander’s Lake will see hundreds of walkers and runners taking part in the 6^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 around the lake, starting from the Byrnes Agency in Killingly.

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 8:30 am, there will be a new feature to the event – a timed 1.5 Mile Youth Run for children ages 7 through 14. For smaller children, NOW will also have a 9:00 a.m. 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 and youths invited to participate.

“This event is a day of fun and fitness and for 2017, 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 of all ages running both the youth 1.5 mile race and 3.5 mile race in their jerseys or team shirts.”

For several years, the Road Race has been sponsored by Putnam Bank. For a second year, dozens of Putnam Bank employees will walk or run the course. NOW Fundraising Chair, Michele Geragotelis 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.” The event is also supported by many area businesses with t-shirt and sign sponsorships.

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 wellness activities and 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 race bag, t-shirt and NOW water bottle.