The Viking 5K race will return to New Ipswich for its sixth year on Sept. 17, as part of Mascenic’s homecoming celebration.
“It’s a really fun community event,” said Carolyn Cormier of New Ipswich, who helps organize the race. “Our goal is just to bring everyone together in a fun way and have some common ground to celebrate our school and our athletes.”
There’s no ground more common in running-crazy New Ipswich than a cross-country trail, and for the second year in a row, that’s where the 5K will take place. Last year, construction on Highbridge forced the road race into the woods, and the new course got “rave reviews,” Cormier said.’
The race promises to be fun for all levels of competition, but given the dedication to running one often finds in the Mascenic community, the battle for the top spot should be a fierce one.
“We do have a really active community which I think is kind of unique and special,” Cormier said. “We want to have a fun community event but we want the serious runners to come out, too. That kind of legitimizes it as a real race.”
The Viking 5K starts at Mascenic Regional High School, at 8 a.m. on Sept. 17. Packet pick-up for pre-registered runners begins at 7 a.m..
Same day registration available for $25 from 7 to 8 a.m. at Mascenic.
The race features professional timing, free t-shirt for runners registered by Sept. 1, prizes, music, medals for all runners under 13.
There will also be a kids’ fun run just before the race, t 7:45 a.m. After the race, runners are invited to check out Mascenic’s homecoming events, which include field hockey and soccer games against Conant as well as the annual chicken barbecue.
“We’re hoping people come and make a day of it,” Cormier said.
To register, visit www.active.com/new-ipswich-nh/running/distance-running-races/viking-5k-2016.