Thank you all for participating in the 2018 Amherst A Better Chance 5k run/walk. The weather was beautiful, the foliage was perfect, the entertainers rocked and it was so fun to see so many first time 5k runners come across the finish line, many of them young kiddos! So inspiring.
The day was a great success for ABC. We had over 250 participants and surpassed our fundraising goals. We couldn’t have done it without you and the incredible generosity of our business sponsors, so once again THANK YOU! The proceeds all go back into running the ABC program.
Before signing off, we do however have one apology to make. Many of you may have noticed that there was a snafu with the timing. We attempted to fix the errors after the race, but our solutions aren’t perfect. We sincerely apologize—next year we will likely be upgrading to timing chips!
We hope that you will mark next year’s run on your calendar: OCTOBER 19th 2019.
If you have any comments, suggestions for improvements, stories or questions, please email Kursten Holabird at kurstenh@gmail.com. Until next year!
About the walk/run
An Amherst tradition, the Fall Foliage Walk/Run brings together hundreds of runners, walkers, leaf peepers and children to admire the diverse colors of the foliage while they walk or run for diversity in the community. The event is our biggest fundraiser, providing living and school expenses for the ABC scholars: young men of color identified by the national ABC program for their leadership potential. They board at the ABC House on North Prospect Street while they attend Amherst Regional High School. The annual operating costs for the program total about $125,000.
Schedule of events
- 8:30 am: Walkers can start anytime after 8:30
- 9 am: “Day of” registration begins
- 10:30 am: 5K run begins
- 11:00 am–2 pm: Entertainment, food, and other activities
Cost
- Walker/Runner: $25 if you register before race day, $30 day of
- Kids: $15
- Family/groups: $60 before race day, $70 day of
Prizes
Think you got what it takes? We’ll see! Winners will be announced at 12:30 pm:
- Fastest male and female runners in each age group (0-12 yrs, 13-19 yrs, 20-29 yrs, 30-39 yrs, 40-49 yrs, 50-59 yrs, 60-69 yrs, 70+)
- Youngest runner and oldest runner
- Fastest team
- Individual who raises the most funds
- Team that raises the most funds
5K Walk/Run Route
The Fall Foliage 5K Walk/Run starts on the Amherst Town Common. Walkers and runners leave the Common, cross Route 9, and head to Amherst College. The route partly circles Amherst College campus and loops around the college’s tennis courts. It then enters the woodlands of the Amherst College bird santuary, highlighted by a beautiful view over the Pelham Hills. Finally it follows the Norwottuck Rail Trail back to the campus. The finish for the walkers will be on the Town Common. Runners and walkers will end near the Town Common. Runners and walkers alike are then invited to enjoy entertainment and family activities.
