WILLIAMSBURG — Registration is now open for the Grove Trotter 5K/10K Bridge Run on Oct. 12.
Now in its fourth year, the walk/run supports the mission of Grove Christian Outreach Center, which provides vulnerable families across the Greater Williamsburg region with food, clothing and financial assistance.
The USATF-certified event begins at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. It takes runners across the scenic Judith Stewart Dresser Memorial Bridge onto the Capital Trail before they return to the park.
The 5K/10K is a Colonial Road Runners Grand Prix event.
Grove Trotter race registration fees benefit the local nonprofit that provides food, clothing and financial assistance for economically disadvantaged families located across Greater Williamsburg.
The need for resources is critical as food prices remain unbearably high at a time when food and financial donations have declined, according to the nonprofit. Housing is another area of need.
“Grove Christian Outreach Center provides support in a multitude of areas, and the needs of Greater Williamsburg families have never been greater across all of them,” said Katie Patrick, Executive Director of Grove Christian Outreach Center. “We continue to work very hard to meet the dire need for rent and utility assistance, as well the essential needs for healthy food and clean clothing.”
Grove Christian Outreach Center — celebrating its 20th anniversary this year — operates a pantry and invites area residents to visit weekly for nonperishable food items. It also provides fresh food, diapers for families with small children and assorted cleaning and hygiene supplies.
Area families also benefit from the Center’s clothing closet, and financial assistance is provided on a case-by-case basis. Additional services include a children’s summer lunch program, senior social events and a range of holiday and seasonal support programs.
Outreach Center team members welcome volunteers to assist with the 5K/10K and volunteers are always welcome to help out at the Center itself, it said. Businesses, churches and other interested groups are encouraged to host food drives. Financial contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated and donations can be made easily and securely online.
Interested businesses can also adopt a Grove Trotter Box, a themed donation box that the Outreach Center delivers to the business location and picks up once their donation drive is over. Needs range from underwear to socks to breakfast foods to winter gear and more.
Registration for the Grove Trotter is $50 for 10K participants and $45 for 5K participants.
Race packet pick-up begins at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 12 and the event starts at 9 a.m.
The top three finishers in selected age categories will receive awards. All participants receive a finisher’s medal and T-shirt to commemorate the event.
To register, visit runsignup.com/Race/VA/
