By Liz Vinci, WPRO Health Contributor
The Navigant Credit Union Running Festival invites locals to spring into action this weekend. This third annual festival includes a half marathon, a 5K, and a Youth 1K, all on May 5. Thousands of athletes and spectators are expected to come together this Sunday to race, walk, and cheer the event through the streets of Pawtucket.
Starting at 8 a.m., the half marathon will race through Pawtucket’s favorite sites, including Cherry Tree Lane and the Blackstone Valley bike path. Described on RunRhody.com as “mostly flat,” this 13.1-mile course does feature one major incline by the four-mile mark. Eleven aid stops are distributed throughout the half marathon, where water and gels will be provided by local volunteers.
The course begins and ends in front of Pawtucket’s historic City Hall, where athletes are welcome to stay and support the following races. The Youth 1K, for runners of age 14 and younger, will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the 5K kick-off at 11 a.m. There will be chip timing for all races as over 1,500 runners and walkers are expected to participate in the day’s events.
Athletes are invited to register individually or as a team, which is a popular option among families and corporations. Teams may have unlimited members and the top three finishers will be used to score each team.
Registration is available at www.runrhody.com and www.navigantcurunningfestival.com, along with a race day schedule, course information, and the award lineup. Online registration ends on Friday, May 2, but athletes can register on-site on Saturday May 4 at Rhode Runner, Inc., 657 North Main Street, Providence from noon until 4 p.m. Last minute entries can sign up on race day in Pawtucket from 7 a.m. until fifteen minutes before the race start. Local sponsors Navigant Credit Union, RunRhody, and Rhode Runner support the festival and invite Rhode Islanders to start off the season on the right foot.
Editor's Note: WPRO's own intern and health contributor Liz Vinci will be announcing this race!
