Nor'easter Threat Can't Cancel Lifelinx/Day 5K Nick Kruczek Color Run/Walk

By Jack Kramer, Patch correspondent

GUILFORD, CT – Those who have registered, or are thinking of registering to participate in Saturday’s Lifelinx/Day 5K Nick Kruczek Color Run/Walk, and have been nervously watching the weather forecast – stop watching.

According to Nick’s mom, Sue, the event will be held – rain or shine. (Saturday, May 13)

The weekend forecast calls for possible rain on Saturday but that won’t stop the kickoff event for Guilford’s DAY WEEK, a weeklong event conceived and organized by high school students to combat drug abuse.

This year’s event itself is also dedicated to the memory of Marilyn Menzies Pageau, a longtime friend and supporter of Lifelinx. Organizers describe her as some who “always helped other people and was full of love.”

Guilford DAY (Developmental Assets for Youth), is a community coalition comprised of volunteers from the community, including parents, youth, law enforcement, leaders, who work to reduce high risk behaviors such as underage drinking and drug abuse among young people.

The run/walk, which will be held at the Guilford Fairgrounds, on Lovers Lane, with sign up starting at 8:30 am, the kids run starting an hour later, and the 5K race at 10:30.

Race organizers say: “This is an opportunity for people of all ages to join in an explosion of color with friends and family. The 5K course will be from the fairgrounds to Jacobs Beach and back. As you run or walk the course, you will be bombarded with color.

“This is not your grandma's traditional 5K, although she is certainly welcome to participate and we know several who are planning to do so. The course will be set up so you can bypass the color stations if you wish to do so.

There will be no chip timing for runners, and the prizes will be for the first male and first female across the finish line. Serious runners should line up at the front of the starting pack. Of course there will be a timing clock so you can track your own time.”

The organizers added: “This will be the kickoff event for Guilford’s DAY week, in which the color purple is used to symbolize youth sobriety. The youth use purple to visibly commit to living clean, and see that they are not alone, but that are in the majority.

“Adults use purple to demonstrate their support for Guilford’s youth and their values. Everyone commits to helping each other, especially those who need encouragement and recovery support.”

You can register online at www.lifelinx.org or www.itsworthguilford.org or call 203-208-2228 for registration, donor and sponsor information.