Take a walk to remember Darcie
The second annual Walking Like M.A.D.D., in memory of Houlton High School alum Darcie C. Hutchinson will be held Saturday, at 2 p.m. starting at the Houlton High School parking lot. A drunk driver killed Hutchinson in 1996 at the age of 21.
The walk is held in conjunction with a M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) walk that Hutchinson’s siblings — Nicole and Jasen — participate in as a fundraiser for the group.
Bring family and friends and join the walk around town, which will not last that long, but the memories will last forever. Make it an annual event with family, school, church, sports team, whatever group or come alone, it doesn’t matter, all walkers welcome.
“While walking in Houlton, Nicole and her crew will be walking in Raleigh, N.C. and together we will be ‘Walking like M.A.D.D.’ and remembering Darcie and anyone else who has been a victim of drunk driving,” Heather McCarthy said. “We can help raise awareness and make a difference today as we remember Darcie’s smiling face.”
For more information please contact Heather McCarthy 538-0953 or at hcamp21@mfx.net, or check out the website at www.walklikemadd.org.
Spring Run Off Saturday in Presque Isle
The University of Maine at Presque Isle will host its 31st annual Spring Run Off 5K Run, Walk, and Relay Road Race Saturday, April 9 with registration beginning at 8 a.m. in Wieden Gymnasium.
This race is the second in the County Challenge Series and is a fundraiser for the UMPI cross country team. Those interested in participating in this event may pre-register prior to Saturday, but registrations will be taken up until the start of the race.
Those wishing to walk the race will start their trek at 9:45 a.m., with runners beginning at 10 a.m. The registration fee for both individual runners and walkers is $12. For those wishing to participate in the three-person relay event, the fee $25.
T-shirts will be given out to the first 60 entrants with prizes and awards being announced after the completion of the race. There will also be pizza and beverages for participants in Wieden Gymnasium after the race and during the announcement of awards.
This event is directed by UMPI cross country coach Chris Smith, who is in his 23rd year as race director.
For more information on how to register, or on the race itself, contact Smith at 768-9472.
‘Breaking the Silence of Sexual Violence’ 5K run-walk
Lace up the running shoes and break a sweat to “Break the Silence of Sexual Violence,” at the second annual 5K run and two-mile walk on Saturday, April 30.
The event raises awareness about sexual violence in Aroostook County. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the John Millar Civic Center in Houlton. The entry fee is $5 for children 12 and under; $10 for participants 12-64 and $5 for seniors over 65 (includes a T-shirt). The walk starts at 9:45 a.m. and the run begins at 10 a.m.
The course starts at the Millar Civic Center in Houlton’s Community Park, with the turnaround on the Foxcroft Road. The run-walk is followed by an award ceremony about 11:15 a.m. and complimentary cupcakes for all participants.
Awards will be presented to the first five walkers and the 5K awards will be given to a male and female in each of the following age categories: 14 and under; 15-18; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59 and 60-plus. There will be team recognitions as well.
This event is a collaborative effort with the Maliseet Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program, AMHC Sexual Assault Services and the Aroostook Musterds Running Club.
For more information or to register, please contact Katie Bell at 532-3000 or e-mail breakingthesilence5k@gmail.com. If anyone has been impacted by sexual violence and would like to speak with an advocate call the AMHC Sexual Assault Support line at 1-800-550-3304 or the Maliseet Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Program at 532-6401.
