Health Care Professional Wellness Retreat

Courses:

This scenic 4.8 mile road race and walk start at the Lake Wyola Association Hall on Shore Drive and runs counter clockwise around the lake on mostly tree-canopied country roads. The first half of the course is paved with a challenging uphill climb. The second half is dirt roads with a small bit of pavement at the finish line and is mostly downhill with a flat finish.

The fun run, a 1.5-mile run and walk, is an out-and-back course along Lakeview Road and Wendell Road with a short climb about a half mile in. The course starts and ends on pavement with about a mile on dirt/gravel road.

Comments on the Race:

"Probably the best road race under five miles I have ever seen.” John Stifler, running columnist, Daily Hampshire Gazette

Bring the family to enjoy a day at the beautiful beach and picnic area at Lake Wyola State Park.

Free post-race refreshments for all runners and walkers.

Start Times:

Walk 9:30am

Run 10am

Fun Run 10:10am

Race Day Registration:

On site reg will be available starting at 8:30am on race morning.

Event Questions:

Please email Maura at [email protected] with event questions.

10th Annual 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Foundation's violence prevention, safety awareness & gender equality programs. Join us as we celebrate a decade of impact!

Kids' Run (100-Yard Dash, ages 3-10): 9:00 AM

5K Run/Walk: 9:30 AM

5K Run/Walk (Virtual): 9:30 AM

The 5K Run/Walk is a fun event for the whole family! The course is mostly flat with one small hill. See the course map for details.

Runners and walkers from out of town can still participate and show their support. Virtual runners can tune in to the beginning of the race via Instagram Live. Then, run on your own and post your photos!

Purpose of the Race

Funds raised from the 5K allow the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation to provide valuable safety programs to the community. The Foundation envisions a world where women live free from harassment. They advocate for safety awareness, violence prevention, and gender equality. They further their mission by providing self-protection training, and they partner with organizations to provide programming and mentorship opportunities to address the root causes of violence against women. Vanessa Marcotte inspires their work, and her kind, philanthropic and compassionate spirit continues to influence people of all ages.

Post-Race Party

Enjoy the fun, post-race atmosphere with DJ, food, ice cream truck, beer, and more! You can also enter to win several raffle items. Activities for kids, too!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Please show your support! Visit 5Ksponsor.org to sign up.

Race Awards

Top male & female finishers overall, and top finishers (male & female) in the following categories:

Under 18; 18-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+

Online Auction

The auction items will be displayed online soon. Additionally, be sure to check out our raffle tables at the event with over 30 items.

FAQs/RACE DAY INFO:

WHEN & WHERE CAN I PICK UP MY RACE BIB AND SHIRT? Bib and shirt pickup, as well as walk-up registration, opens at 8 AM on Saturday, June 20th at Wachusett Mountain. For GPS purposes, use 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton, MA. Once you park, head towards the lodge and check-in under the large white tent. Check-in lines will be by Bib Number. Please know your bib number in advance. Link will be provided.

HOW CAN I GET MY RACE RESULTS? When you register, you are asked to provide a cell phone number if you want to receive a text with your finish time after the race. OR...you can simply search your name and finish time after the race. Link will be provided.

WHAT IS VIRTUAL RACE EXPERIENCE LIKE? Signing up for a virtual registration is a way to show your support of the cause if you can't make it to Princeton, MA. Join us on Instagram LIVE for opening remarks and official start, and then run on your own. You can also join our club on Strava to run “together” from wherever you are, see other participants’ activities, and be part of the race-day community.

CAN I BID ON THE SILENT AUCTION EVEN IF I CAN'T GO TO THE EVENT? Yes, anyone in the U.S. can bid on an item! The auction will close on Saturday, June 20th at 11:30 AM.

CAN I BRING MY DOG? We love dogs, but unfortunately the venue does not allow dogs at this event per the board of health unless they are a service dog.

CAN I BRING A STROLLER? Yes! Walkers/runners are welcome to do the 5K with a stroller.

Fundraiser Retreat at Smoke Crest Farm & Animal Sanctuary

📆 Saturday, July 11th

🕧 9-1:00 pm

📍Smoke Crest Farm and Animal Sanctuary- 830 Springhill Rd. Barre, Ma

💲25 - donation

✨Join us for a peaceful and rejuvenating morning at Smoke Crest Farm and Animal Sanctuary while supporting two meaningful causes. This special Fundraiser Retreat offers a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the healing energy of the sanctuary’s beautiful 220-acre farm.

The morning will include a series of restorative wellness experiences:

60-Minute Yoga Session to ground your body and mind

60-Minute Sound Bath for deep relaxation and energetic balance

Energy Cleansing & Clearing Session to release and reset

Prefer a slower pace? You’re welcome to simply wind down and enjoy the peaceful setting. Guests can relax with scenic views, explore and hike the farm’s trails, or spend time connecting with the sanctuary animals.

Guests will enjoy an elegant buffet brunch, featuring:

Fresh fruit

Bagels with smoked salmon

Yogurt & granola

Fresh celery shots

Proceeds from this event will support the ongoing care of the animals at Smoke Crest Farm and help fund Steve Coate's journey to compete in the Deaflympics, helping cover training, travel, and competition expenses.

Whether you come for the movement, the healing experiences, or the peaceful countryside, this retreat is a beautiful way to nourish your body, calm your mind, and give back to an inspiring community and cause.

Come breathe, connect, and support something truly meaningful.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Westminster residents facing hardship due to unforeseen challenges. The Westminster Benefit Fund is made possible entirely through the generosity of local families, businesses, and community groups.

Each year, the Runners Helping Neighbors 5K Run/Walk plays a key role in our annual NHN Town Benefit Day—a day filled with fun, connection, and community spirit. Open to all ages, this event features a scenic course that winds through both hilly and flat sections along Westminster’s Main Street.

🕙 Start Times

Walkers: 10:00 AM

Runners: 10:30 AM

🎽 Register by July 15, 2025 to guarantee your official race t-shirt!

Stick around after the race for a full day of festivities up on Academy Hill—including a flea market, delicious food, live music, family games, and more!

About This Event

The Running Out Of Summer 5K, hosted by Rapscallion Brewery & Taproom, is a charity race that directly contributes to local charitable initiatives driven by HOPS. Join us for a scenic, flat, and fast course along the Spencer Rail Trail, followed by an after-party at O’Gara Park!

All entrants will receive a custom super soft race shirt (If registered by August 1), small gift bag, and drink token for any draught (beer, spiked seltzer, or homemade root beer) at any Rapscallion location at any time! In addition, there will be awards for overall winners,teams, and our youngest and oldest runners.

Event Highlights

This event offers more than a t-shirt and cool medal. Come check it out to enjoy a fun-filled day:

—Use your free drink token (comes with registration) to taste the drink of your choice at early packet pick up on Friday night, or save your token for race day or any time thereafter!

—Meet and play with adoptable dogs from the Second Chance Animal Services adoption van.

—Listen to music and have fun!

Awards

There will be awards for first overall male and first overall female. We will also be giving awards for FASTEST and BIGGEST teams!

About The Rapscallion HOPS Foundation:

A 501(c)3 independent non-profit, spearheaded by Spencer and Sturbridge Mug Members, the HOPS Foundation provides financial support to community members in need in Spencer and Sturbridge, MA and the surrounding area. Board Members and other volunteers work together to host charitable events that raise funds for these important initiatives.

About Spencer Parks & Rec

The Spencer Parks & Recreation Commission is an all-volunteer board whose mission is to serve the recreational needs of Spencer residents. The Commission's primary responsibilities consist overseeing maintenance of the communities town-owned parks and recreation facilities, including grounds, roads, parking areas, grandstands, buildings, monuments, playground equipment, and safety equipment. They also develop and supervise recreational programs, including swimming lessons, beach safety, summer recreation for children, holiday parties, dances, and other events.