Organizers Expect Thousands For Colleen 5K In Andover

From Step Up for Colleen: The Sixth Annual Step Up for Colleen 5K, in memory of beloved teacher Colleen Ritzer, will be held in Andover on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. The opening ceremony begins at 8:45 a.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit college scholarships awarded to graduating Andover and Danvers High School seniors who plan to pursue a teaching career after college. Online registration is open at stepupforcolleen.com/register.

"The annual Step Up for Colleen, now in its 6th year, is a reminder to our family how deeply Colleen has and continues to positively impact so many," says the Ritzer family. "This event gives us strength and reminds us that there are thousands who refuse to allow Colleen and her memory to be forgotten. For this, we simply cannot share in words how thankful we are for those who join us to support Colleen, our family, her friends and charitable activities in her honor including the scholarship established in her name that seeks to form a new generation of caring and compassionate teachers.

"Each year, the Step Up for Colleen draws thousands of walkers and runners of all ages to the USA Track & Field certified course. They create a "sea of pink", which was Colleen’s favorite color, according to race director Nina Caron. "This year's event will feature family-friendly entertainment such as a magician, live music, a balloon artist, face-painting, a photo booth, and much more," she adds. The first 3,000 registrants will receive a pink race shirt. Century Bank has signed on as the event’s title sponsor.