The Record (Troy, NY)

Literacy 5K Run/Walk to aid organizati­on

- By Lauren Halligan lhalligan@digitalfir­stmedia.com @LaurenTheR­ecord on Twitter

SCHODACK LANDING, N.Y. » Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to participat­e in the upcoming Literacy 5K Run/ Walk to benefit the Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County.

The annual event will be held between 8 and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 6 at Schodack Island State Park in Schodack Landing.

The fundraiser will include a 5K trail run, guided nature walk, story walk, youth mile, prizes, raffles and family-friendly activities.

“The Literacy Run is a great way for families and individual­s to be active, have fun in the great outdoors and at the same time support the important work of Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County,” said executive director Judith Smith. “The Literacy Run is a trail run, which gets people off the streets and sidewalks and into nature in springtime – what could be better?”

Everyone is invited to be part of the event, regardless of their age or ability level, Smith said. “It’s a friendly, supportive, inclusive group: we’re all here to enjoy the day and support a great cause that works to improve the lives of our neighbors.”

Prizes will be awarded to the first male and female finishers of the youth mile and the 5K and in each gender and age category.

After the Literacy Run, participan­ts are welcome to extend their stay in the Park. “Schodack State Park offers plenty of recreation­al opportunit­ies ( hiking, biking, picnic areas, canoe launch, playground, bird watching, etc.),” Smith said.

All proceeds from the 2018 Literacy 5K Run/ Walk will help further the Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County’s mission of teaching people to read, write and speak English, empowering students to be advocates for themselves and educating the larger community about literacy issues.

The Troy-based organizati­on depends on income from spe-

cial events to support free programs and services for adults and children in greater Rensselaer County.

“Now more than ever, Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County depends on special events and fundraiser­s to bring in muchneeded funds which allow us to present our programs and services at no cost to adults and

children in Rensselaer County,” Smith said.

More informatio­n about the Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County programs and upcoming events can be found online at www.lvorc.org.

A full schedule of events at the Literacy 5K Run/ Walk and online registrati­on is available at www.zippyreg.com.

 ?? FILE PHOTO ?? Runners participat­e in a previous Literacy 5K Run/ Walk to Benefit Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County.
FILE PHOTO Runners participat­e in a previous Literacy 5K Run/ Walk to Benefit Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County.

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