WESTFIELD – The 33rd Annual Baystate Noble 5K Run & Walk for a Noble Cause is on Saturday April 29 at Stanley Park.
Registration to run or walk begins at 7:30 a.m. and goes until 8:30 a.m. located near the Children’s Pavillion and Playground. The registration fee is $35 for adults and $10 for children ages 16 and under. The race begins at 9 a.m. and the event ends at noon. Organized by the Baystate Health Foundation, the hope is for intending participants to register online rather than on the day of the race.
“If they register now, they’ve got two weeks to really get their fundraising efforts going,” said Stephanie Johnson, who is the event coordinator at the Baystate Health Foundation.
The pre-registration allows people to form a team for the race that can fundraise together. It is part of a brand new fundraising incentive program, where all participants in registration will receive a crown.
The top individual and team fundraisers will receive the 2017 Noble Fundraiser Award.
There was a great turnout at the 31st Annual Noble 5k Run & Walk back in 2013. (WNG File Photo)
Kathy Tobin, who is the Director of Annual Giving & Events at the Baystate Health Foundation, discussed where the fundraising money goes towards.
“It supports their local community hospital,” said Tobin. “I think people like that, their motivated by that, and that’s why they’re doing it.”
City employees involved with the run & walk are also excited for what the money will be specifically used for at Baystate Noble Hospital.
“I think it’s a great community event,” said Tina Gorman, who is the Director of the Westfield Council on Aging. “I’m exciting that the fundraising will go toward renovating the main entrance [of Noble Hospital].”
Gorman and her husband Gary will be the Honorary King and Queen for the event this year. It was a no-brainer to accept, as both Tina and Gary are runners and have run in this particular race several times in the past.
“Both my husband and I really try to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Gorman.
The 5K Run & Walk on April 29 will also mark a special anniversary for Gary. He will celebrate his 10-month anniversary of having open heart surgery.
“I kind of feel like Gary is the poster-boy for cardiac rehab,” said Gorman.
Since Noble Hospital joined Baystate Health over a year ago, this marks the second year that Baystate Health has been organizing the Run & Walk. According to Tobin, there were close to 600 participants last year.
Tobin explained that this event is a direct reflection of what Baystate Health aspires to do on a regular basis.
“The reason we exist is to support the financial needs of our institutions,” said Tobin.
For more information about this event, visit baystatehealth.org/noble5k or contact Baystate Health Foundation at 413-794-7853.
