[Editor's Note: Information provided by Wakefield Cares]
Wakefield Cares, a registered 501(c)3 organization, is sponsoring a 10k race around Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield on Saturday, November 12th, 2011 to promote awareness of the problem of homeless veterans. The benefit, organized by Jim and Susanne Cotter of Wakefield, begins with registration on Wakefield Common at 8 a.m. The 10k starts at 9 a.m.
In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held the following week.
The top three (3) male and female finishers will receive awards, and medals will be presented to the top finishers in the following categories: age 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; over 70; and wheelchair division. Runners are not required to be in the military, whether active or retired, to participate in the 10k.
A military-only 5k will follow the 10k race at 10:45 a.m. Participants will include all active or retired military personnel. Anyone who runs in the 5k must have run in the 10k and qualified. Following the 10k, the top two (2) winning times in each branch of service (US Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard) will compete for the winner’s trophy.
We will honor Sgt. Darnell “Shifty” Powers, the second most decorated enlisted man in WWII. Darnell was a paratrooper in the 101st Screaming Eagles, Easy Company, 506th Parachute Regiment. He jumped into D-Day Normandy; Market Basket Amhem
Belgium (80% casualties) and finally ended up at Bastogne (The Battle of the Bulge). He passed away in June 2009 without any honors recognizing his achievements. He is in all 10 episodes of the BAND OF BROTHERS HBO video series. Professional chip timing for the 10k and both 5Ks will be provided by Race Menu.
The entry fee if $20 before the race and $25 on the day of the race. To register, complete a race form and send it with a check, made payable to Wakefield Cares to Wakefield Cares, 467 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880. For more information, call Jim
Cotter at 781-850-6478 or email tigger13@suburbanlivery.com. Active in their community and in raising funds for local organizations, the Cotters have raised more than $13,000 in the past four years. A Vietnam Air Force veteran, Jim is hoping to ‘pay it forward’ by helping provide for those who fought for our freedoms.
