WESTFIELD – The inaugural Run Westfield 5K Flat Fast road race is just three weeks away, and organizers say they are excited to see the event come to fruition.
The event – which will feature not only a race but also a walk to benefit the Jose Torres Memorial Fund – is scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 30. After the 5K race and memorial walk, there will be a huge block party featuring a full lineup of food, drink and entertainment.
“We’re getting very excited,” said Michael Tierney, Run Westfield chairman. “Our race committee is very driven to put on an event they and the City of Westfield will be proud of, and the cooperation we’re getting from everyone in the city is amazing. They’ve really embraced this event.”
The 5K race and memorial walk will start at the Westfield State University South Lot and the course will take participants down Western Avenue and Court Street, left onto Elm Street and finish just after Church Street. The block party will take place after the race, near the finish line. Parking will be available downtown and at Westfield State University, and shuttle service will be available between the start and finish lines.
Tierney said there are already close to 1,000 people expected to participate in the race, and he hopes those who don’t participate will come out to support the runners and walkers.
Run Westfield has not only attracted interest on a local and regional level, but also across the world. Runners from as far away as Madagascar and Kenya have contacted the office, according to Tierney.
With more than $25,000 in cash and prizes being given away to top finishers in the race, Tierney said the prize structure was created to attract world-class runners.
“We think we’re presenting a great opportunity for the local walker or runner to run in the race with some world class runners, and then socialize with them during the block party,” he said. “It’s a unique opportunity, and really, there isn’t any race or 5K that can come close to our prize structure.”
“Ultimately, what we envision is a competitive spirit amongst the runners coupled with a festive environment for all to enjoy, and for a good cause,” Tierney said. “This will be an event that goes way beyond the race. It’s about the rebirth of Westfield and the celebration of Westfield and the community.”
The Jose Torres Memorial Fund was established in honor of Officer Jose Torres, who was killed during a traffic duty assignment in July. Torres was a 27-year veteran of the Westfield Police Department and was well known in the community.
Entry fee to participate in the memorial walk is $20. Registration for the run is $30 before March 15 and $40 from March 16 to March 23.
The deadline to register for the walk and run is March 23, and only online registrations will be accepted. For more information or to register online, go to runwestfield.com.
