Registration open for 2021 Run Manchester

by Julia Forrest

After last year’s cancellation, runners will return to Main St. on August 7th for the return of  the Run Manchester race. You can register at https://runsignup.com/runmanchester by Aug. 5th for $30 for the 5K, $35 for the 10K, $40 for the 10 mi, and $45 for the half-marathon. Sign up by July 18th to be guaranteed a t-shirt and custom medals. Runners who wish to sign up on the day of will be charged an additional $5 fee.

This year will mark the third year that Manchester Community Schools’ robotics team has organized the event. In 2019, there were roughly 130 runners participating in the 5K, 10K, and fun run. All funds raised will help support the robotics team.

This is the first year a 10-mile run and half-marathon race have been added to the Run. The longer races will extend through Freedom, Bridgwater, and Manchester Township as opposed to just a run through the village. The route for the 5K will be fully paved, but other races will have to run some dirt trails. The purpose of the added races were to encourage more out-of-town runners and spectators to come into Manchester and hopefully support local businesses according to Daniella Kippnick, an event organizer.

In terms of COVID-19 safety precautions, the race will have a half-hour open start time window so runners can avoid crowding. Each runner will be timed when they cross the start line. Event organizers are also encouraging people to bring their own water bottles, but will have various hydration stations.

Photo from a previous year's Run Manchester

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.