The 8th Annual Newtown Road Race 5K and Kids Fun Run, presented by Nike, will take place at Dickinson Park at 9 am on Saturday, August 31. 

Benefiting Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS), this race annually draws 500 to 600 runners plus another 200 children in the fun run. Race organizers are expecting a larger than usual turnout this year.

The gently rolling course, certified by USATF, begins and ends at Dickinson Park and incorporates both paved and dirt roads. It is ideal for runners and walkers.

T-shirts will be provided to the first 1,000 registered runners in the 5K and the first 150 children in the Kids Run. Individual awards will be given to the top three men and women in each age division (13 and under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and over). Results will be determined by bib-tag timing.

This is a volunteer effort, and all proceeds will be used by  NYFS to underwrite counseling and youth programming efforts.

Checks and cash only will be accepted for race day entries. Those who register in advance can pick up their T-shirts at NYFS on Thursday and Friday, August 29-30, between 9 am and 6 pm.

Children participating in the Kid’s Run must complete an entry form and have a signed waiver. Kids will be assigned to running groups based on their age.

Fees are $20 in advance for the 5K, and $25 on race day; $5 per child for the Kids Run, or $10 per family.

If you would like to run or walk, register online at www.newtownroadrace.com. If you would like to volunteer on race day, contact NYFS Community Coordinator Kaitlyn Johnson. For general race questions, contact Race Director Steve Meeker at newtownroadrace@yahoo.com.

Road Closures Planned

During the road race, parts of Sugar Street (Route 302), from Main Street to the western intersection of Baldwin Road, will be closed. Organizers expect this to occur from approximately 8 am until 11 am.

The course is very well marked and any traffic disruptions will be detoured appropriately.

Roads affected include Sugar Street, Elm Drive, Deep Brook Road, Juniper Road, Birch Rise Drive, Nettleton Avenue, and Baldwin Road. To see a map of the course in its entirety, visit http://newtownroadrace.com/map.html.