JAK-L Strides for Mental Health

Officer Tarentino was killed in the line of duty on May 22, 2016, as a way for our greater community to honor him, his dedication to serving others and to celebrate the relationships he made with many throughout Massachusetts. It is also an opportunity to honor all men and women who have served or continue to serve our great country. It is our hope that this event will continue to bond our community ties by gathering and having fun together for a great cause.

This year’s Tarentino Strong 5K Run/Walk will be held at the Auburn Elks Lodge located at 754 Southbridge Street, Auburn, MA. This exciting morning will feature an age 8 and under Kids Fun Run, raffles, DJ, chip timing, live results, and free finish line photos.

Check back to this page for future updates.

Race Registration

5K Run/Walk (10:00 AM Start)

February 8th - February 16th $25.00

February 17th - March 31st $30.00

April 1st– June 13th (7:00 PM) $ 35.00

Race Day, June 14th $ 40.00

Please note, all entry fees are non-refundable

Kids Fun Run: age 8 and under (9:15 AM) $15.00

Race Day, June 14th $20.00

All kids registering for the Fun Run will receive a Tarentino Strong logo water bottle, CUSTOM DESIGNED TARENTINO STRONG KIDS FUN RUN T-shirt and a goodie bag filled with special treats and treasures along with a race medal!

BIB AND SHIRT PICKUP

SNEAKERAMA and TARENTINO STRONG will team up for an early bib pick up event at the popular THURSDAY NIGHT FUN RUN! Join us on THURSDAY, JUNE 11th from 4:30-7:00 PM at SNEAKERAMA, 12 Lake Ave, Worcester. Pick up your bib and shirt, register for the TARENTINO STRONG 5K, and join other fun runners as they make their way along the very popular Lake Ave course. We will be raffling off a free race entry and maybe even a very limited edition, custom water bottle!

EARLY BIB AND SHIRT PICKUP will also be held on Friday, June 12th from 4:30pm-7:30pm at the AUBURN ELKS.

RACE DAY

**Same day registration will be held at the ELKS Club in Auburn from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM. This is also where you will pick up your bib number and t-shirt the morning of the event if you cannot join us for early bib pick-up. Please arrive early in order to provide enough time to get ready before the race starts!

Custom race shirts will be available to the first 1000 registrants. ** Sizes on first come, first serve basis. **

Personalized bibs are guaranteed to all 5K participants registering on or before May 1st.

Race Course

The start of the race will take place in the Auburn Elks parking lot. Runners and walkers will head left out of the Elks lot onto Route 12. From there, participants will turn left onto Warren Ave then onto Bryn Mawr. Runners and walkers will turn around just past Leicester St. then head back to Bryn Mawr, Warren Ave, right onto Route 12, back into the Auburn Elks parking lot for a total of 3.1 miles.

Due to the high volume of runners and walkers, dogs will not be allowed to walk/run on the race route (special service animals are allowed). Strollers are permitted with the walkers.

Parking

Parking is available at the Elks and additional lots nearby.

Uniform Challenge Division

Open to law enforcement officers, firefighters, and military. Participants will run or walk in full duty uniform for the 5K event.

Running in Uniform for Law Enforcement Officers

-Uniform, Ballistic Vest, and Gun Belt

Running in Uniform for Firefighters

-Turnouts, Belt, Helmet

Running in Uniform for Military

-Uniform top on bottom along with hat

Wheelchair Division

The division is open to athletes that are competing either using a wheelchair independently or with a pusher. Awards will be presented to the top finisher.

Team Division

This award will be presented to the entity that has the most individuals registered under that Team Name.

Awards

*Awards will be presented to the top male and female Uniform Challenge first place winners.

*Awards will also be presented to the top overall male and female finishers.

*Age group awards will be presented to the top finishers in both male and female age groups: 9-13, 14-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.

around fields at Waters Farm in Sutton, MA.

Pre registration is $35 plus small transaction fee, Race day will be by paper application only on site and is $40.

The Old Goat 5K XC Classic is the XC race component of the 2025 USATF New England All Terrain Runner Series. More info: https://newengland.usatf.org/events/2025/2025-usatf-ne-all-terrain-runner-series

The race is also the first stop on the USATF NE XC Grand Prix series. The 5-race series has commemorative awards for participants of at least 4 races, and prize money for top individuals in open, and different masters divisions, for both men and women. More info: https://newengland.usatf.org/events/2025/2025-usatf-ne-cross-country-grand-prix

REGISTRATION

If you are pre-registered, please see if you have the correct team affiliation. Picking a team is required, but if you are not racing with a team choose "Unattached " during registration. If you need to change, please do so yourself prior to race day following the steps here: Join an Existing Group - RunSignup

Day of registration is available and will begin at 9:00 AM in the Darling Barn. Cash or venmo will be accepted so please plan accordingly. Day of registration is $40 per runner.

RACE SCHEDULE

There will be (2) races at the following times:

10:00 AM: Womens Open 5k

11:00 AM: Mens Open 5k

COURSE

The course follows the same path as last year. Although the course does briefly cross over pavement the course is a spike friendly course.

PARKING

Parking will be available at the event for free. When you enter Waters road please note this road is the only entry and exit point from the farm so please drive cautiously and be on the lookout for exiting traffic. When you approach the farm there will be two lot options that will be designated with signage. Please take note that one lot will have restricted entry/exit during race times in order to prioritize runner safety. Please ensure you park in the lot with unrestricted access if you foresee the need to leave during the event. Volunteers will be present at the exits to guide traffic and assist in the unlikely event there is an emergency and you need to leave.

WATER

There is no water fountain available at the meet site so please pack accordingly. There will be water and bananas available for runners at the finish.

BATHROOMS

There will be 5 portable bathrooms available for use and one handicapped accessible portable bathroom located at the Darling Barn.

TENTS

There will be a designated team tent area by the starting line. Please feel free to bring/set up tents for your team.

AWARDS

There will be a short awards ceremony after the completion of the Male race ~15 minutes after the final finisher crosses. There will be awards for Top three Individual Males, Top three Individual Females, Top Male Open Team, Top Female Open Team, Top masters male and female, and top masters teams(male and female).

AFTER PARTY

There will be a certified Old Goat After Party at the Millbury Old Time Inn located ~12 mins away from the course. Please come join us and celebrate the first meet of the USATF Club Cross Country Series. We will be providing some pizza while supplies last. The Old Time Inn does not serve food but allows food to be brought in/delivered by other businesses in the area. There are drinks available for purchase and beach volleyball. Please note the facility is cash only but ATMs are available onsite.

the race, halfway through, and at the finish! Most participants consider it a challenging, yet fun race due to the hilly nature of the course.

REGISTER EARLY!

Shirts are only available if you pre-register by 8/20/2026.

health awareness and supporting vital mental health initiatives. This impactful event will take place on Sunday, September 27 at 10:00 a.m. at Shepherd Hill Regional High School.

Why We Run/Walk

Tackle The Stigma was created to raise both funds and awareness for mental health support services. Every step taken helps break down barriers, encourage open conversations, and ensure individuals struggling with mental health challenges can access the support they need without fear or stigma.

Whether you choose to walk, run, or simply cheer from the sidelines, your presence makes a difference. Together, we can show our community that mental health matters and that no one has to face their struggles alone.

All proceeds from the Run/Walk will be donated to JAK-L and Brake the Silence, two local organizations that share our mission of supporting mental health awareness and services.

Spread the Word

We welcome participants of all ages and backgrounds to take part in this community event. Attendees can also enjoy local vendors, food trucks, raffles, and more throughout the day.

Help us make Tackle The Stigma a success by sharing this event with your friends, family, and community. Together, we can make a lasting impact.