Sentinel & Enterprise (Fitchburg, Massachusetts)
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AYER, Mass. — The Ayer Fire Department invites runners of all ages to take part in their second annual Thanksgiving Day 5K on Thursday, Nov. 23. The race features a 3.1-mile run beginning at 8 a.m. sharp at the new fire station. A portion of the proceeds from the race will benefit the Ayer Fire Department’s charitable contributions.
“This race offers an opportunity to not only bring together the local running community but also to promote wellness in Ayer,” said race coordinator Anthony Mavilia. “The race also provides exposure for local business and the chance to showcase the town of Ayer, all the while raising money to benefit the Ayer Fire Department’s charitable contributions,” said Mavilia.
The course is mostly flat; however, there are several short hills featured. The course begins on West Main Street, across from Moore’s Lumber, in Ayer and takes runners down Main Street and through the area’s residential neighborhoods. Individual awards will be handed out to the first male and female firefighters as well as the top three male and female finishers in each of the eight divisions.
The Ayer Fire Department’s Combination Company’s #1 mission is to contribute to the local community in the form of civic, charitable, public safety, literary and educational purposes. The proceeds from this race will directly benefit the Fire Department’s charitable contributions, which include a scholarhip fund, financial support for local high school athletic programs, and an annual fire safety camp — ‘Camp Pete’ — each summer.