Park View 5K to support Operation Stand Down

Registration for the fourth annual Park View Middle School 5K race is now under way.

For the first time since its inception, the proceeds from the race will benefit Operation Stand Down, a local Rhode Island organization that offers support and resources to veterans, including securing housing and employment.

“Our race has been very successful over the past years and our funds have been increasing year to year,” said John Macera, one of the organizers of the event. “We were looking to direct our funds to a more local organization than what we had done in the past, and [Principal] Mike Crudale and Mayor [Allan] Fung steered us towards this organization. It was important to us that we stay local and this seemed like a good fit.”

As registrations are coming in for the 2016 race, Macera hopes to see participation continue to build.

“We have had a great turnout in years past,” he said. “We have seen growth of about 200 runners each year over the last, and we had 800 runners last year. We hope to have over 1,000 for this year’s race.”

With just a few weeks left to register, those interested in participating can find the registration forms on the Park View website, cpsed.net/pview/PV5K.html.

Those who register online are guaranteed a race day T-shirt, and shirts will be given out to the first 700 registrants. A $100 cash prize will be given to the first male and female finishers, in addition to awards given out to the first male and female to finish in each division.

At the conclusion of the race, there will be refreshments available. Anyone with questions about registration or sponsorship should contact Macera at jmacera@cpsed.net.