BLOSSBURG, PA—Race for a good cause this May! Laurel Youth Services, in conjunction with the Blossburg Coal Festival, is hosting a 5K Run on Saturday, May 29, 2010. The event is part of the annual Coal Festival held during Memorial Day Weekend in Blossburg. Registration opens at 7:45 a.m. and runs until 8:45 a.m. The race will begin at 9 a.m.
The course is a 5K (3.1 miles), wheel-measured loop through the town of Blossburg, which begins and ends at Blossburg's Island Park. It circles through the borough and past the Laurel Youth Services Building. The circuit includes grass and paved surfaces, as well as a few gradual hills to challenge the novice runner.
“Don't be intimidated by the hills!” laughs Susan Blackwell, 5K Race Coordinator and Laurel Youth Services employee. “There will be plenty of water stations and spectators to cheer you on to the finish line.” The 5K Run was the dream child of Blackwell, whose love of running led her to develop an opportunity to instill that love in the youth at Laurel Youth Services.
“We want to do as many things with the community as we are able to foster that feeling of being a part of it. The youth need to be accountable for restoring the community and making amends through meaningful community service. Blossburg has been very supportive of our efforts,” Blackwell notes.
The race began six years ago, and for the last four races, Laurel Youth residents have not only volunteered at the event, but also participated in the race itself. To date, $4,870 has been raised by the 5K Run for a scholarship fund. The fund is used to help former Laurel Youth Service residents who are attending higher education. Laurel Youth Services awards money to help pay for textbooks, tuition, or equipment. Residents who have completed the residential program can apply for funds, and the Laurel Youth Services committee determines how to disperse the scholarship. In the past, the scholarship money has been awarded to pay for a semester’s worth of tuition, a laptop, and trade tools.
There is a $15 registration fee for the race. Proceeds from the event will be put toward the scholarship fund. Awards are presented to first, second, and third place finishers in each age group, as well as to the overall male and female finishers. All participants receive a free T-shirt supplied by DC's Tees in Troy.
For more information or to obtain a race entry for the event, contact Susan Blackwell at (570) 638-1227 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Race entry forms are available online by logging on www.lyscoalfest5k.com and clicking on “Registration.” Entry forms may also be picked up at Northern Tier Athletics in Mansfield, Laurel Wellness Center in Blossburg and Knoxville, and at Wild Asaph Outfitters in Wellsboro.
