By Rob Russell

After a two year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hopedale Boosters Club is excited to announce the return of our annual 5K Run/Walk race.  Considering the past two years of uncertainty and isolation, we are hoping to get a lot of interest in this race and return to some normalcy in our lives.

The 12th annual Hopedale Blue Raider 5K Run/Walk, sponsored by the Hopedale Boosters, will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the Hopedale Jr-Sr High School at 25 Adin Street in Hopedale.  It is expected that over 250 runners and walkers will be making the trek again over the relatively flat course through downtown Hopedale. A Hopedale version of Heartbreak Hill after mile 2 will separate the pack.  

The 5k Run/Walk is held annually in memory of Coach Larry Olsen who led Hopedale’s Girls Cross Country and Track teams to tremendous success.  Coach Olsen was a highly decorated runner is greatly missed by Hopedale and the entire running community.  It has been wonderful to see the community rally for the past 11 years around this event!

This event is the biggest fundraiser for the Hopedale Boosters and the money raised is used to support the student athletes of Hopedale Junior/Senior High School and many other student body activities.  The Boosters provide senior scholarships, donations to senior activities and year book committee in addition to funding requests that support the school athletic teams.   

Number pickup and race-day registration will begin at 8:00 AM.  The pre-entry fee is $30; $20 for ages 21 and younger.  A free dry-fit T-shirt will be given to those who register by April 20th. Runners can register online at www.active.com or by using the QR code shown here.  In addition to the race, there will be a variety of raffle prizes to be won that are being graciously donated by local businesses.  The 5K race will begin at 10:00AM.  

Any person, organization or company wishing to donate raffle items or become an official sponsor should contact the Boosters at [email protected] as there are many levels of sponsorship available including t-shirts, bibs and signage.  No donation is too small to support our student athletes.

Professional timekeeping will be provided by Tri-Valley Front Runners.  Medals will be given to the top three male and female runners in each age category.  Running or walking with strollers and pets is allowed and encouraged.

Parking, restrooms and complimentary snacks and water will be available.

Join us on May 14th for a fun filled day of Hopedale Blue Raider pride and community spirit!