Williamsburg Landing is hosting its sixth annual 5K to benefit The Arc of Greater Williamsburg on Saturday.
The Arc is a local organization dedicated to helping adults with intellectual and physical disabilities once they age out of the services provided to them through the public school system, which extend through age 22.
“We were contacted by [the Williamsburg Landing] six years ago because they were looking to do some sort of community outreach project and thought we were a worthy organization,” said Pam McGregor, executive director of The Arc.
Since then, the 5K and accompanying one-mile fun run have attracted up to 300 participants.
McGregor estimates the event raises between $25,000 and $30,000 each year.
The money raised goes toward helping The Arc put on 10 events and activities to provide continued education, social stimulation and health-related initiatives to its 150 clients each month.
“People with disabilities don’t just get better when they get out of school,” McGregor said. “They digress if they don’t have access to ongoing education and other programs.”
Beyond the obvious benefits of The Arc’s offerings to its clients, the frequent activities and events also provide much-needed respite to the clients’ caretakers.
Chesapeake Bank is the presenting sponsor for this year’s event, and a raffle drawing set to take place after the races will include prizes donated by numerous other sponsors and businesses in the community. The Arc is still accepting sponsors for the race at a variety of levels.
Individual or teams of participants can register online for the race through Wednesday, or in person on the day of the event. Race fees are $25 per entrant
Racers will receive a free race T-shirt while supplies last, and they will also qualify for free access to the Williamsburg Landing’s health club for the day of the event. Light refreshments will also be provided.
“It’s very gratifying to get to share the Williamsburg Landing’s beautiful campus with the community,” McGregor said. “[The Arc’s] interaction with this community is really special to us.”
Race day registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with the fun run beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K kicking off at 9 a.m. To register online for the race, click here. To download a printable version of the race application, click here.
