Step Up For Colleen 5K In Memory Of Danvers Teacher Back For 11th Year

DANVERS, MA — The Step Up for Colleen 5K — which has been held annually in memory of Danvers High teacher and Andover resident Colleen Ritzer, who was killed in 2013 — returns for an 11th year next month having surpassed more than $500,000 in scholarships awarded over the previous decade.

The event will be held on May 5 at Andover's Central Park. Proceeds will benefit the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund, which fosters a society of compassion with kindness as a motivating influence in all its endeavors.

For the past 11 years, runners, walkers, family and friends have worn pink — Ritzer's favorite color — while participating in Ritzer's honor at the USA Track & Field certified course.

"The community support for the Step Up for Colleen has been incredible," said race director Nina Caron. "We are excited to gather again in Andover on May 5th to celebrate Colleen’s life and her commitment to helping and inspiring others."

The opening ceremony will begin at 8:45 a.m. and the race starts at 9.

This year's event emcees will be Magic 106.7-FM radio personalities David O’Leary and Sue Tabb. The post-race green will feature music, refreshments, a balloon artist, a magician, face-painting, Boston sports mascots, and VIP appearances, including Miss Massachusetts USA Melissa Sapini.

Those looking to participate in this year's event as an individual or as a team can register here.

Since its inception in 2014, $513,000 in scholarships have been awarded to 100 future teachers and leaders, some of whom have already begun their teaching careers and are pursuing master’s degrees.

"Through the Step Up for Colleen, we are reminded of Colleen's enduring impact on others as we gather to celebrate her life and raise funds to support the education of future teachers," said the Ritzer family. "We are so grateful to the thousands who participate in this event each year to remember Colleen and her passion for teaching and transforming the lives of her students.

"That passion can be witnessed in each of the individuals who are awarded a scholarship in Colleen's name."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)