School Spirit 5K

HIGHLAND CITY STRIDERS ANNOUNCE SCHOOL SPIRIT RUN

It all began with a football game on October 24, 1906 when the "Orange and Blacks from Marlboro met the "Red and Whites" from Hudson at Prospect Park in Marlboro. 103 years later, the athletic rivalry between Hudson and Marlboro High Schools, the fourth oldest rivalry in the State, has blossomed into both a friendly and spirited competition in nearly every sport in the three sports seasons at both schools.

In celebration of what the locals believe is the best athletic rivalry in the State of Massachusetts, the Highland City Striders are pleased to announce the 2009 Hudson - Marlborough School Spirit 5 Kilometer Run/Walk, which will take place on Saturday, November 28th, at 10AM at the Elks Club on 99 Park St in Hudson. This race, which organizers hope will continue as an annual event, ais dditionally sponsored by Avidia Bank and Crown Trophy. The inaugural School Spirit Award Trophy will be awarded to the school which has the most participants in the race. Race participants who register by October 31st are guaranteed to be provided with a great looking shirt commemorating this race. In addition, local residents, parents of high school students, and alumni can register as a race day volunteer to receive a race day shirt and earn participation points for their school. These slots are limited, so early registration is encouraged. Post race refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Elks Club. Race organizer Mark Vital said that he expects a great turnout due to the special nature of this longstanding rivalry. " In addition", Vital said, "the thing that really makes this race unique is that it extends the competition so that the entire community in each town can participate in this special rivalry."

Proceeds of this race will go to the Elks Scholarship Fund, which in turn provides scholarships to Hudson and Marlboro high school students. While this race is principally organized for residents, alumni, and current high school students, teachers, and parents, it is open to the general public as well, who are eligible to compete for race medals. Medals will be awarded to the first three places for runners and for first place in the walker category in the following age groups: Students -18 and under, Open - 19-39, Masters - 40-49, and Seniors (50+).

School Spirit 5K Race Application

The Highland City Striders are a local Hudson - Marlboro running club with a mission of promoting health and fitness and sponsoring running events to benefit local charities. For more information about the running club or this race, please contact Jim McKenna or Mark Vital.