Rotary Prepares for Annual River Run

Submitted release

Runners of all ages and all athletic abilities can enjoy a day of competition and fun at The River Run, scheduled for Sunday, April 29, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Iron Horse Blvd., in Simsbury.

This family event is sponsored by the Simsbury-Granby Rotary and will include 5K and 10K races in several divisions, as well as two children’s races. 

Food, entertainment, live music and vendors will be on hand at , adjacent to the route. Free activities for children include an inflatable Bounce House, face painting, and a visit from the Rock Cats Mascot. Free babysitting will be provided by the Farmington Valley YMCA.

Competitive runners as well as “weekend warriors” are encouraged to participate, according to Race Director Tom York.  Races are officially timed and USTAF certified. Runners will receive their final time and place.

“The River Run is a great event for families, serious runners, casual runners and even non-runners who want to enjoy a festive atmosphere on a beautiful, spring day in Simsbury,” York said. “I love the energy of a crowd.”

Children ages 3-7 can participate in the Free Kids Fun Run. A 1-Mile Race is scheduled for runners ages 5-14.

First place men and women winners in the 5K and 10K will receive a $50 gift certificate to Satorius Sports. Merit prizes also will be handed out for divisional winners. There are divisions for all ages, including Youth (14 and under), Master (40-49) and Hero (70 and over).

This is the 17th year that The Simsbury-Granby Rotary has sponsored The River Run fundraiser. In 2011, close to 700 adults and children participated.

York said that every net dollar raised during the event goes towards Rotary-sponsored, community projects, scholarships and other charities.

“The River Run is a win-win,” he said. “It’s a festive, charity event for the whole community that encourages a healthy lifestyle and giving-back.”

For information on entry fees or to pre-register for a race, go to http://www.simsburyriverrun.com/

Sponsors of The River Run include: Co-Sponsors-Robert Hensley & Associates, LLC, The Hartford and Saint Francis Care; Supporters-The Meat House-tcby, The Country’s Best Yogurt, Meadow Brook of Granby and Educational Playcare; Contributors-Farmington Valley YMCA, Sartorious, People’s United Bank, Mitchell Auto Group and Rogin Nassau LLC, Attorneys at Law.

Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.