By Jess Allen

The 14th annual Hopedale Blue Raider 5K Run/Walk, sponsored by the Hopedale Athletic Boosters Association, will be held on Saturday, May 11, at the Hopedale Jr-Sr High School at 25 Adin St., 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 – this was where Tim Maguire, Hopedale Girls Cross Country coach and Biology teacher, made a decisive move to win last year’s race.

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; his compassion on enthusiasm are greatly missed by Hopedale and the entire running community.  It has been wonderful to see the community rally for the past 14 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 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 12. 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.  Those who are not able to participate may also enter a 50/50 raffle here: https://go.rallyup.com/hdaleboosters

Any person, organization or company wishing to donate raffle items or become an official sponsor should contact the Boosters at [email protected].   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.  Overall winners will receive a gift certificate to PR Running. Running or walking with strollers and pets is allowed and encouraged.

Parking, restrooms, complimentary snacks and water and a DJ Mike will join us for entertainment.  Join us on May 11th for a fun filled day of Hopedale Blue Raider pride and community spirit!