Albion’s annual Run the Rock 5K event of the Run Albion Series is coming up fast.
The race begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 30, at 415 S. Superior St, Albion. The event is open to the public. The early registration fee is $25 until April 18. The late registration fee is $30 until April 30. Interested runners can sign up online at runsignup.com/Race/MI/Albion/RunAlbionRunTheRock or register onsite from 5 to 6 p.m. All registration fees are donated to selected local nonprofit organizations.
The Run the Rock 5K event is named after the school rock of Albion College, a large rock that has been painted throughout the years in support of different campus organizations and events, located in the center of campus on the quad. The 5K passes the rock, giving participants the opportunity to see the different layers of paint.
Race organizer Caroline Dobbins said that the race is for runners and walkers alike.
“This series is a great way to get started with physical activity, enjoy a community and give back to community organizations doing important work throughout the Albion area,” Dobbins said.
When asked about the transformation of Albion throughout the years after the donations from the Run the Rock 5K event and other events of the Run Albion Series, Steve Ferency, a sponsor from BrickStreet Marketing said, “It’s more than a three-race/5K series. It’s a catalyst for building a better future for everyone in Albion. We must all do our part.”
Ferency mentioned that one of the local nonprofit organizations that were donated to in 2019 said that the donation from the Run Albion Series doubled their operating budget.
“If that doesn’t bring the good feels, I don’t know what would,” Ferency said.
In regards to COVID-19 precautions, Dobbins said that because the race takes place outside, and along with the adjustments made to the race like a rolling start and the removal of the awards ceremony, the event can continue without the risk of high community spread.
For more information about the race, visit runalbion.com or contact race organizer Caroline Dobbins at cdobbins@albionreinvests.org.
