City's Free Fall 5k: the perfect appetizer to make room for a Turkey Day feast

ROCHESTER - The 22nd annual "Free Fall 5k," an event aimed at promoting community health while supporting local nonprofits, is set for next Thursday at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center. The race starts at 8:30 a.m.

Rebecca Boucher. who will be among the runners, said the race has become a Turkey Day staple.

"The Free Fall 5k is my favorite way to start Thanksgiving Day," she said. "The race benefits local non-profits that are important to me, the course is flat and fast and leaves me feeling energized for whatever the rest of the day entails."

The Rochester Runners Club, a 501(c)3 affiliate of the Road Runners Club of America, hosts this event with a mission to donate 100 percent of net proceeds to support vital Rochester nonprofit organizations, including SOS Recovery Community Organization, SHARE Fund, Waypoint Teen Drop-In Center, End 68 Hours of Hunger - Rochester, and the Homeless Center for Strafford County. In 2022, the event raised $5,500 to support them.

The Free Fall 5k welcomes all individuals who wish to participate, whether they prefer to walk or run the 3.1-mile course. Strollers are welcome so all ages can participate. Participants can register at www.freefall5k.com. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the race.

The Free Fall 5k is made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, including Granite State Credit Union, Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Shaheen & Gordon, PA, DF Richard Energy, WV Physical Therapy, Bernier Insurance, Eastern Propane & Oil, Hervey's Tire, Rochester VW, and Northeast Delta Dental.

Registered participants are encouraged to arrive no later than 8:15 a.m. to pick up their race bibs, while those who wish to register on the day of the event can do so from 7-8:15 a.m.

For additional information and general inquiries, contact Regina Flynn at Freefallclassic@gmail.com or visit www.freefall5k.com.