Run or watch, the 7th Annual Freaky 5K promises a fun time of costumes and cardio Sunday morning, benefitting the East Providence Firefighters Community Fund.
A little over 200 runners are expected to participate in this year's event starting at 10 a.m., which just closed its pre-registration. Runners can still sign up on the day of the race, said Eric Linacre, East Providence firefighter and organizer for the event. Many wait for the day of the event to make sure the weather is good before deciding to run, he said. Registration is $25 on race day.
North Broadway from Roger Williams Avenue to Newman Avenue will be closed for the duration of the race, about an hour, as will Greenwood Avenue up to Pawtucket Avenue, Lincare said.
Runners are encouraged to dress in costume for the event, so long as the ensemble is tasteful. It's a fun time for both runners and spectators.
The course is a fast, USATF certified and sanctioned run through historic Rumford (see course map), leaving the Rumford Fire Station at 30 North Broadway and ending on Greenwood Avenue. Lincare said there's one brief uphill section at the end, but otherwise, it's a fairly easy course that draws participants of all athletic levels, including many walkers.
Each year, the 5K raises about $5,000 for the Community Fund, which provides sponsorships and donations to community groups in and around East Providence. Community Fund grants aid the needy during Christmas, provide Thanksgiving food baskets for the hungry and fuel scholarships, Lincare said.
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