Zombie Apocalypse in Bedford?

For the third-straight year, one of the state's most interesting and fun road races will be held right here in Bedford.

The 'Witch Way to the 5K' Road Race, this year will be held this Saturday, Oct. 27, and will begin at Ross A. Lurgio Middle school with a kids fun run at 10:30 a.m.

The professionally-timed 5K run/walk begins at 11 a.m. (Check out a course map here), and awards will be presented to the top finishers in each age group (results posted on results posted on CoolRunning.com), the three best costumes and a select few others.

The cost of the event is $20 ($25 with shirt) if participants register online or $25 ($30 with shirt) the day of the race. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on race day. The kids fun run is $5 ($10 with shirt), and all proceeds support technology at Ross A. Lurgio Middle School.

The race has brought out 400-500 5K 5K participants, and another 70-75 children, in each of its first two years. Organizers raised $16,000 in 2010 and another $18,000 last year, and proceeds were used to purchase classroom projector set-ups, document cameras, iPads, iPad cases and a mobile iPad cart.

Much of the success, say race organizers, is attributed to race sponsors.

Now here's the fun part

Participants are encouraged to be creative and dress up in costumes for the race. A costume parade will be held prior to the 5K event and awards will be presented to the runners with the top three outfits.

Kids run

The kids run, which begins at 10:30 a.m., begins at the same spot as the 5K  and involves a single lap around the middle/high school complex. Each participant earns an award.

Additional information

The race will be timed using professional chip technology and results will be available shortly after the race on CoolRunning.com.

Award will be presented to the top three male and female finishers in each of the following age groups:

• 10 & Under
• 11-12
• 13-14
• 15-19
• 20-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60+

Other awards include:
     • The 3 best costumes
     • The best group costume
     • The Bedford School with the most participants
     • Any Lurgio student who beats the principal

Each participant is also eligible to enter their number into a prize raffle.

Complimentary post race food include yogurt, fruits, Gatorade and water.

Volunteers and Sponsors

Organizers are still seeking volunteers to help put the event on. Those looking to help are encouraged to fill out the following volunteer form.

There are already a number of 2012 Sponsors but all financial support from local businesses will help organizers reach their challenge. A donation of at least $250 will give your company a spot on the event t-shirt, which will be given to all race participants, as well as on our website. More information about sponsoring can be found here or contact Rachel Fairhurst via email at fairhurstr@sau25.net. Checks can be mailed to Ross A. Lurgio Middle School c/o Rachel Fairhurst at 47A Nashua Rd. Bedford, NH 03110. All donations are tax deductible.


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