WESTFIELD- Tomorrow, the Boys and Girls Club welcomes all runners to participate in their annual half-marathon and 5k race. This year there is expected to be 700-900 runners. All proceeds for the two races go towards the Boys and Girls Club. This race is a great way to support an organization that proudly provides 180 dinners on a nightly basis, after school programs, athletics, life skills and leadership development among many other things, according to Westfield Police Capt. Michael McCabe.
“It’s not the same place as it was twenty-five years ago,” said McCabe. “It’s a wholistic thing that really does what it’s supposed to do.”
For those less athletically inclined, volunteers and spectators are also welcome.
“It’s really an economic boom to the city,” said McCabe, adding that it is also an opportunity for the whole community to bond and support each other. “For every runner there will be at least one other person there supporting them, bringing even more people into Westfield.”
What started as 142 runners in 1994 has grown to over 600 runners in current years. The Boys and Girls Club is looking to grow the half marathon into a much larger event, with the goal of 5,000 people.
“Our effort is to bring this race to the next level,” said McCabe. “We want to grow this into something that attracts national runners.”
There is still time to register today and tomorrow.
