I ran my first 5K last year. It was a race I had been wanting to do each year but pregnancy and nerves of failure prevented me from signing up. Last year I did it and have been a sucker for a good local race ever since. Finish For A Guinness, what’s better than that, right?
September 1st will be the 5th annual Finish For a Guinness 5K road race in downtown Warren, Rhode Island. I’ve been looking forward to this race since last year. Not only does the race support both Rhode Island and Massachusetts ALS chapters as well as local charitable causes, but it’s personal. The race originated to help a friend, Chris Stone. Chris’ battle with ALS ended in 2009, a few weeks before the first Finish For A Guinness road race. Chris was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. He didn’t seem to mind when my chatty husband caught his ear. The two of them would spend the entire night in the corner sharing stories about the great outdoors. Saved my ears, that’s for sure. This Sunday I will run in memory of Chris and the many others that have battled ALS.
The races both starts and finishes at Old Warren Marina on Water Street, in the historic waterfront district. The view of the river and the smell of the saltwater is a beautiful way to start a race, and a pint of Guinness is the perfect way to end it. The course loops up and across Hope Street and back with some moderate hills. Whether you’re running for time and cash prizes, or a novice runner trying to get that first race under your belt…it’s the perfect course and a great cause. Visit Lightbox Registration and Register . Get the kids involved too. One thing I noticed last year when I ran it, there were quite a lot of kids. It was great for the family.
The Race:
“Starting and finishing in Historic Downtown Warren at the Old Warren Marina, this 5k run on a certified course, will be chip timed. $200 cash prize for the male and female winners plus $100 cash prize for new course record to male/female (Will Sanders 15:22 – 2012, Jennifer Dagan 18:26 – 2012) Beautiful t-shirts guaranteed to all pre-registered runners so be sure to sign up early. There will be a number pick up on Saturday, August 31, from 12 noon to 3 pm. All proceeds will benefit the RI and Mass ALS chapters as well as local charitable
causes.”
Good luck with the race. You are running for a good cause. My friend’s mom lost her battle with ALS around the time my daughter was born. It’s such a debilitating disease. With any luck, (and people like you to further the cause) they’ll find a cure soon. 🙂
You’re so right about involving the kids! It’s such a great way to not just encourage staying healthy but also about giving back.