North Suffolk charity run still open

Published 10:06 pm Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Runners can still register for the Burbage Grant Owners Association’s third annual charity Fun Run 5K and Kids 2K on April 23. The fundraisers have raised about $1,500 for local charities over the last two years.

Runners can still register for the Burbage Grant Owners Association’s third annual charity Fun Run 5K and Kids 2K on April 23. The fundraisers have raised about $1,500 for local charities over the last two years.

So far, nearly 150 North Suffolk residents and supporters will be on the run on April 23.

The Burbage Grant Owners Association is sponsoring its third annual charity Fun Run 5K and Kids 2K, with proceeds to be split among five charities that will be determined by runners, said organizer Steve Whear.

The $15 registration fee includes a race T-shirt, snack, water and pancake breakfast afterwards, he said.

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Arrival and check-in begins at 8 a.m., with the races through the neighborhood beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The number of participants has more than tripled since the 5K’s debut in 2014 with 48 participants, said organizer Steve Whear.

Organizers have been active about spreading the word this year, Whear said. Volunteers put fliers out in local businesses and at every house, and business sponsors are allowed to have runners as part of their sponsorship, he said.

The race has also been promoted more aggressively on social media this year, he added.

The homeowners organization has strived to involve the entire community, Whear said.

There will be 22 students who participate from a Northern Shores Elementary School’s boys’ running club. Also, a couple of sponsors are sending 20 to 30 participants, he added.

All proceeds from the run will go to local charities, Whear said. When everyone registers, they are asked which charity they want to support.

The top two most popular charities selected by runners will each win 20 percent of the proceeds, Whear said. The rest of the money will be split evenly among the charities selected by the winners of the male, female and kids divisions.

Over the past two years, Burbage Grant has raised more than $1,400 for the Children’s Hospital for the King’s Daughters, the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.

“The primary mission is to get the neighborhood engaged in activities that build a sense of community,” he said. “It’s a way for us to see our neighbors out and enjoying life … and to show that our community is giving back to others in need.”

With nearly 1,500 homes, the Burbage Grant community — including nearby businesses — continues to grow, Whear said.

Girl Scouts will be manning the water station during the races. Local Boy Scouts, with help from troop leaders, are in charge of cooking the pancake breakfast that will be served after the races, Whear said.

To register, go to tinyurl.com/jda8br5.