Second Annual Finally Spring 5K! March 20, 2010 – 10:00 A.M. Howard/Porter Reservoir – Manchester, Conn.

The Second Annual Finally Spring 5k! to benefit Public Allies of CT will once again be presented by Manchester Running Company as we welcome in Spring on Saturday March 20, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Online Registration Here or FS5k! Registration 2010 (Mail In)

Location: The race is run primarily in the Howard/Porter Passive Recreation Area on Ferguson Street in Manchester, Conn.  The start and finish is actually on Ferguson Street itself so a total of about 200 yards is run on the road.

Registration and Cost: Registration can be done in one of three ways.  You may register online by clicking here, you may download the application and mail in your entry along with check made out to Manchester Running Company, LLC or you can register on race day in the Highland Park School parking lot.  Pre-registration is $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for youth.  All those pre-registered will get a free pair of Manchester Running Company socks (very popular in 2009)! Those wishing to register on race day the cost is $20.00 and registration will begin at 8:15 a.m.

Parking: Some parking is available in the Highland Park School parking lot, however this fills up very fast (about 50 spaces), additional on street parking is permitted on Porter Street along with surrounding side streets all within a very manageable walk to the school.

Restrooms: Restrooms will be available inside Highland Park School.

Awards: This years awards include a two-day kayak rental for two to the top male and female finishers.  We have movie tickets to the top youth male and female.  The over 55 age division winner will receive a $25.00 gift card to New Balance South Windsor or a $25.00 gift card for Manchester Running Company.  We will also have Cold Stone Creamery gift cards as raffle prizes among other gift cards of interest.

Sponsors: Big Y, Eastern Mountain Sports, Century 21, Great Harvest Bread, Pastrami on Wry, Case Mountain Tree Services, Barb’s Bags

Results: Results will be posted on our website along with CoolRunning and The Last Mile Racing.  The 2009 FS5K! was won by Drew Best in a time of 18:06 – some claimed it was closer to a 6k.

Timing: Timing will be done by The Last Mile Racing Company

The Course: We call it a 5k, but really it’s probably a 5.5k (hey, the name just sounds better).  Starting on Ferguson Street the course is primarily uphill for the first mile before you hit some flat and gradual downhill starting in mile 2, mile three is very much downhill.  Because the course starts on road we do not recommend spikes but trail shoes are highly recommended.

What is Public Allies? Find out more here!

Other: We will provide a nice breakfast spread of breads, bagels, fruit, juice and water for your enjoyment at no extra cost (we encourage a small donation to Public Allies if you choose to partake)

Soles4Souls Shoe Drive:  Manchester Running Company is pledging 25 new pairs of shoes to donate to Soles4Souls to help those in need throughout the world.  Please bring any gently worn or new shoes you are looking to get rid of or don’t use anymore to the race and we’ll give them to charity!  More on this shoe drive.