After the success of and large turnout for the Wassail Festival 5K Run, the Miss River Raisin Festival Scholarship Program committee realized one thing: to have a successful run, you need a good theme with some added fun.
The third annual spring run will this year be The Cinco de Mayo 5K Run as it is scheduled for Sunday, May 5. A special Cinco de Mayo treat will be included in runners’ bags from Mexibilly’s in Blissfield, which is co-sponsoring the event with pageant sponsor Borchardt Brothers Market.
There will be prizes for best costume and best team costumes.
The event is a 5K run/walk to benefit the Miss River Raisin Festival Scholarship Program.
The race will this year begin beside the scenic Arch Bridge in Blissfield’s Ellis Park.
“We have created a scenic early May run to take runners from near and far around some of what we consider high points of our village at a beautiful time of year as the trees are budding, grass is greening and flowers are blooming,” said Marcia Loader, executive director of the Miss River Raisin Festival Scholarship Program. “We chose to begin at the river and end at the river in our beautiful park system. We want to encourage people to not only enjoy our parks and the entire community with its many unique dining experiences, but also visit our downtown where we have seen some exciting new developments over the winter. In other words, come for the race, but make a day of it, too.”
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and the 5K starts at 1 p.m. The 5K is open to all ages 6 and over, and winds throughout the village. Fees are $25 for the 5K Run/Walk; $12 for kids 6-15; or $60 for a family (limit two adults per family; additional adults $25; children must be with parents). The deadline for shirts has passed and no shirts will be available for those registering this week or on race day.
An awards ceremony will follow the race with medals to the overall male and female and top 2 finishers in each male and female age division: 6-12 13-15, 16-20, 21-35, 36-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+. Presenting the awards will be Miss River Raisin Festival Charlotte Squires of Britton. Many of the contestants for the July 12 Miss River Raisin Festival Scholarship Pageant will work at the event.
To download a PDF of the race form, please visit the Blissfield River Raisin Festival website, www.blissfield.net and go to the Cinco de Mayo Race section, or email advance@cass.net for one to be sent via email reply.