There’s Still Time To Register for Baystate Noble’s 5K Run and Walk

SPRINGFIELD — There is still plenty of time to lace up your sneakers and register to step out in support of Baystate Noble Hospital as part of the 32nd Annual 5K Run and Walk for a Noble Cause.

 The event, to be held on April 30, begins at 9 a.m. at Stanley Park in Westfield. Day-of registration begins at 7:30 a.m. near the Children’s Pavilion and runs just prior to the race at 8:30 a.m.

“Keeping our community healthy by promoting health and wellness is an important part of our mission,” said Ronald Bryant, president of Baystate Noble Hospital. “We encourage everyone to enjoy a healthy day of walking or running outdoors with friends and family, not just as a way to raise funds for a ‘Noble cause,’ but to improve overall fitness.”

Advance registration, which is encouraged, can be made by visiting baystatenoblehospital.org/5k. The fee to register through April 29 is $35 for ages 13-59 and $25 for seniors 60 and older. After that date, registration fees increase by $5. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Registration fees include a free T-shirt while supplies last.

 The Baystate Noble 5K Run and Walk is a competitive road race for all levels of runners, from the novice to the serious athlete. The 3.1-mile course is flat out and back through Stanley Park and the surrounding residential area. A family-friendly, non-competitive walk follows the same route as the road race. Individual teams, wheelchair racers, and school groups are encouraged to participate.

Each member of a team — three or more people — must submit an application indicating their team name no later than April 15.

Teams will be scored by the finish times of its top three members.

First, second, and third place awards will be presented to the male and female runners with the best overall times. Awards will also be given to the top male, female, and/or group finishers in each of the following divisions: under 12, 13-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+, team/school, and wheelchair.

 Race timing is provided by Racewire and will be posted at baystatenoblehospital.org/5k after the race.

 “We’re delighted that the long-running 5K Run and Walk for a Noble Cause has enjoyed such a success over the years and thank the thousands of runners whose fundraising support has made a positive impact on the lives of our patients. Your participation once again this year will provide funds specifically for Baystate Noble Hospice, furthering our efforts to deliver a higher state of caring to all of our patients,” said Jane Albert, vice president of Philanthropy for Baystate Health and executive director of the Baystate Health Foundation.

 In addition to on race day, participants can pick up their bib and T-shirt from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 27 and 28 at the Community Development Office off the Main Lobby at Baystate Noble Hospital. The early bird pickup replaces the need to register on race day.

 After the race, there will be refreshments, various activities, and vendor tables – including the YMCA of Westfield, Park Square Realty, Bella Med Spa, Baystate Health Loyalty Programs and others – near the registration area. Awards will be presented as soon as all calculations are completed.

 Gold Level sponsors are Health New England and Westfield Emergency Physicians.

 For more information on the race, or to register, visit baystatenoblehospital.org/5k.