A 5K Run to Benefit the Mansfield Community Playground Project

The Willimantic Athletic Club will host a 5k race to benefit the Mansfield Community Playground on Saturday, July 18.

The community-built playground is part of an ongoing effort by Mansfield Advocates for Children to strengthen community connections and enhance the overall quality of life in Mansfield. The race is set to start and finish near the future site of the playground at the Mansfield Community Center.

The race course highlights many sights of Mansfield and the University of Connecticut and features numerous amenities including professional timing, an on-course water stop, and race T-shirts to the first 100 registrants. Start time for the race is 8 a.m.

Registration and more information are available online at http://willimanticathleticclub.org/5k_Run_for_the_Playground.html. Each runner will also receive a buy-one-get-one-free coupon to the Adventure Park at Storrs.

After the Willimantic Athletic Club’s 5K, at 9 a.m., the Mansfield Community Playground Committee will be holding kids’ races on the E.O. Smith track. Kids ages toddler through 6th grade are encouraged to join and participate in races and field events. Registration is $10, and the first 40 registrants will receive a free T-shirt. Participants may register for the kids’ races in person or online through the Mansfield Community Center at https://www.mansfieldct.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/wbsplash.html (use code 11111-G).

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Mansfield Community Playground, further driving the project toward its goal of being a community built and funded reality.

For more information about the Mansfield Community Playground or to make a donation, visit www.MansfieldCommunityPlayground.org