Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Inc. (NOW) is excited to announce the return of the 7^th Annual NOW Road Race & Walk, set for Sunday, September 16, 2018. Held annually since 2012, the Road Race features a scenic run along the quiet streets of Alexander’s Lake in Dayville and raises funds for NOW. With the support of Race Day Sponsor, Putnam Bank, the event will see some noticeable changes for 2018.

For the first time in the event’s history, the NOW Road Race will feature an altered race route. Subtitled, “Lap the Lake” the race will be a traditional timed 5K (3.1 miles), starting at The Lake Tavern on Upper Maple Street in Dayville, with one “lap” around Alexander’s Lake and finishing back at The Lake Tavern. The event is inclusive of runners and walkers, with individuals of all levels of fitness encouraged to participate. This route is a change from past years, with the event previously marketed as a “3.5ish” mile race, with a 3.76-mile course. NOW Executive Director Sarah Wolfburg spoke about the change, “We are excited to offer a traditional 5K for 2018 and think it will be well received by past participants as well as new runners and walkers.” The top overall male and female runners will each receive a $100 cash prize, with medals awarded to the top three finishers in each 5-year age bracket.

One feature of the Road Race that will not change is the Kids ½ Mile Race with additional fitness and nutrition activities led by NOW staff members. Sarah Wolfburg added, “This event is meant to be a day of fun and fitness and for 2018, we are hoping to see more families than ever. Throughout the year, we partner with many youth sports organizations and we would love to see kids of all ages running in both the youth ½ mile race and 5K race & walk.”

For several years, the Road Race has been generously sponsored by Putnam Bank, which shows additional support with dozens of employees walking and running in the event. NOW President Allan Rawson expressed his appreciation for Putnam Bank, “We are very proud to have Putnam Bank as our Race Day Sponsor. They have truly embraced the fitness focus of the NOW organization and are supporting the Race with participation as well as funds.”

For 2018, NOW will offer a long-sleeved, moisture wicking tech t-shirt to race participants as a $5 add-on. The shirt will feature the event logo on the front, with sponsor logos on the back. T-shirt sponsorships are currently available as an opportunity for local businesses to show support for NOW.

NOW is a non-profit human services organization focused on youth wellness. 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% 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.

Registration is currently available online, with early-bird reduced rates offered for the spring of 2018 – click here to sign up for the event.