Ironstone Derby 5K & Party

People looking for a fun way to celebrate the Kentucky Derby this May can join a 5K race and party at an Andover horse farm!

Ironstone Farm in Andover will host the “Ironstone Derby,” an afternoon 5-kilometer charity race-and-walk followed by a Kentucky Derby party and barbecue– all on the day of the Kentucky Derby, Saturday, May 7. It benefits the nonprofit work at Ironstone Farm that helps children with special needs and others.

Register at www.lightboxreg.com/ironstone_2016.

The day starts with a stick-horse race for kids at 4 p.m., followed by the 5K race and walk at 4:30 p.m. and then an after-party, all at Ironstone Farm on Route 133 in Andover, Mass. Run or walk the race, then enjoy the Kentucky Derby party on the horse farm. Some people come just for the party! Eat, play games, see our horse-and-rider drill team perform, pick a favorite horse and watch the Kentucky Derby live on a big screen after the race!

Race day is Saturday, May 7, and the race motto is "Run for the Roses - Stay for the Party!"

The Ironstone Derby 5K is a USATF-certified race. Runners and walkers who sign up by April 22 are guaranteed to receive a free short-sleeve tech shirt. Children 10 and under who run the stick-horse races will receive a free T-shirt. There are fun games and prizes for everyone after the road race.

Lenzi’s of Dracut is expected to serve beer, mint juleps, and a Kentucky bourbon drink. A live band, deejay and WROR street team will keep the party going, along with a magician and face painter for kids.

Entry fees for the 5K are $25 for adults and $20 for youth 12 and younger. The cost is $10 for the kids stick-horse run. Register at www.lightboxreg.com/ironstone_2016. Online registration will end Friday, May 6 at 11 a.m. There will be race-day registration on Saturday. Team registration is encouraged.

Prizes will be awarded for the largest team and the team that is most creatively dressed for the Ironstone Derby -- think derby hats! Individual prizes including roses and Burtons Grill gift certificates will be awarded to top three male and female finishers. The top 12-and-younger 5K runners also receive a prize.

The race benefits the nonprofit work of Challenge Unlimited Ironstone Farm, which serves children with special needs, combat veterans, people diagnosed with cancer, adults with special needs, teens at risk, elders with memory issues and others. Learn more at www.ironstonefarm.org.