WESTFIELD – The inaugural Run Westfield 5k Flat Fast road race just got a bit longer, at least in terms of the wait.
Officials for the race recently announced that the race has been rescheduled to Sat., March 30, now avoiding a direct competition with Holyoke’s St. Paddy’s Day race.
Due to multiple requests from both sponsors and interested participants, Run Westfield Chairman Michael Tierney said it was important to listen to their concerns and to maximize the event’s impact on the city.
“They spoke and we listened,” Tierney said. “We all worked together to find a date that would allow walkers and runners alike to participate.”
Originally scheduled for March 16, the event – which will feature not only the race, but also a walk to benefit the Jose Torres Memorial Fund – will also feature a full lineup of food, drink, and entertainment.
With the race just shy of two months away, 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.
Tierney said, too, that local businesses have shown great interest, with Westfield Bank and Westfield State University having jumped on board to help create a memorable event for the city.
“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,” he said.
Starting at Westfield State University’s campus off Western Ave., both the walk and the road race will conclude in downtown Westfield before a day full of festivities.
The Jose Torres Memorial Fund was established in honor of the 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 amongst the community.
For more information on the event, visit www.runwestfield.com or contact Chris Dondoros, Director of Media Relations, at (413) 265-9050 or [email protected].
