Registration Underway for Lacey Municipal Alliance 5K Race

Every Tuesday at Gille Park on Manchester Avenue, now through the end of August, a contingent of around 20 Lacey Township residents is meeting to train for the Municipal Alliance 5K race. Led by local fitness enthusiast, Nick Giovanni, this is the second year the Township Recreation Department has offered the Train for Your First 5K course. 

"There's a nice array of running experience in that class," said Recreation Director James Wioland. "People can register in the recreation office."

The $30 fee pays for the course and race registration. The 12th Annual 5K Race and One Mile Fun Run will take place Saturday, Aug. 25 at Gille Park. It is the Alliance's big fundraising event for the year.

"We get grant money for our programs," said Municipal Alliance Coordinator Heather Scanlon. "But some things are outside the scope of the grant so we use this money for those things."

With some of the proceeds from the race, Scanlon said they will make a donation to the Lacey Food Bank as well as the Recreation Department, whom the Alliance works closely with. The funds also will support the Lacey Municipal Alliance Scholarship Fund.

The Alliance is currently in full-prep mode for the 5K. Scanlon said a new course used for the first time last year worked out well so they are keeping it the same this year.

"They like our course," said Scanlon of the runners. "We get compliments that it's well-marked, well-staffed and the volunteers are always friendly and helpful."

There will be some additions to the race, Scanlon said, that will enhance the course.

"We are adding more music venues along the course," she said. "I've seen it done at some races. It's a way to make it more interesting for the runners."

People may run the race in teams of three or more. To participate for the Mayor's Trophy, teams must be made up of five or more Lacey Township residents. 

For children, there will be a Kiddie Dash. The cost will be $5 per child and each will get a participation ribbon and an Italian ice.

At the end of the race course, runners will be treated to water, bananas, oranges and watermelon. A local restaurant will be grilling hamburgers for all who attend.

Registration has already begun for the race at www.Lacey5k.com. There, people can download the application. Those who wish to register online may do so at www.raceforum.com/lacey. 

The Municipal Alliance also is looking for sponsorships in the advertising journal. The sponsorship form can be found on the 5K website.

The Fun Run will step off at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 8:30 a.m. Scanlon said the 2011 race had to be postponed due to Hurricane Irene, but she is feeling optimistic about this year's race.

"We're getting sponsorships and registrations are coming in," said Scanlon.  "We're hoping we don't have a hurricane."