5k Road Race/Walk and Fun Run to Benefit Children's Museum of NH

The Children's Museum of New Hampshire will hold its annual 5K Road Race & Children’s Fun Run on Saturday, April 30, 2016. The museum takes over Henry Law Park for the morning and creates a festive atmosphere for all who participate. The Children’s Museum’s 5k is the first race in the Seacoast Road Race Series and falls one day before the popular Children’s Day in Portsmouth on Sunday, May 1st.

“Kids will be taking over the Seacoast this weekend,” enthused Barbara Massar, Executive Director of Pro Portsmouth, Inc.

“We have some really fun things planned this year for the race,” said Jane Bard, President of the Children’s Museum of NH. “There are always lots of fun things for the spectators to do in the park during the race, and this year is no exception.” On hand will be face-painters, a “Top Your Own Yogurt Bar,” food, giveaways and multiple Fun Runs for kids up to age 12.

The 5k course is certified and will include a few surprises as well.

“This is a fundraiser for us, but we want to keep it fun and unique and remind you that all the sweat and hard work is for a good cause,” said Jane.

Proceeds from the Road Race and Fun Run will go to providing free access to the museum for families in difficult circumstances.

Children ages 12 and younger can participate in the Fun Run, which takes place at 10am in Henry Law Park. The Fun Run series of events features a ½ mile race, two ¼ mile races (one for children 6 and under, another for children 7-10), and a free 50-yard dash for children age 4 and under. All Fun Run participants will receive a blue ribbon, and prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers of the ½ mile and ¼ mile races. Paid registrants in the ½ mile and ¼ mile races will also receive free t-shirts. The entry fee for the ½ mile and ¼ mile races is $8 for registration in advance and $10 on race day. There is no fee for children participating in the 50-yard dash although a signed release form is required.

The 5K Road Race is not just for runners. Non-competitive walkers and competitive race walkers are also welcome, as are baby joggers. The race begins at 9am at the intersection of Central Avenue, Washington Street and Henry Law Avenue, just in front of the museum. The course runs up Central Avenue to Chapel Street, up Portland Avenue and back down to Henry Law Park. Post-race activities, including an awards ceremony and refreshments, will take place in Henry Law Park following the race. All 5k participants who register by March 31 as participants will receive free race T-shirts, and the race is capped at 1200 runners. The 5K registration fee is $22 in advance and $25 on the day of the race. A link to online registration can be found at www.childrens-museum.org under Things To Do / Annual Events. Walk-up registration for the 5k will be available at The Children’s Museum on race day starting at 7:30 AM up until 15 minutes prior to the start of the 5k. Registration for the Fun Run starts at 9am. Information on the Seacoast Road Race Series can be found at www.proportsmouth.org.

The Children’s Museum also invites runners to raise additional funds for the museum by collecting pledges for their run. Any participant who collects more than $50 in pledges gets their entry fee waived and is in the running for prizes based on total amount raised for the museum. Pledge forms can be found on the back of each race entry form.

Runners who complete six of the eight races in the series are awarded a coveted SRRS running jacket and can win other prizes as well.