NEW SALEM — Community members can lace up their sneakers and head to the New Salem Town Common Labor Day weekend for a 24-hour fundraiser to benefit Ralph C. Mahar Regional School.
In response to recent budget and service cuts, including some to instructional staff and a reduction of late buses, avid runner and Mahar Regional School Committee member Carla Halpern has been organizing the event, the Village Ultra, in hopes of raising awareness around the school’s needs and to bring in some money for the upcoming school year.
“Like a lot of schools in the area, Mahar is facing budget shortfalls. Obviously we can’t make up the entire shortfall with one race, but we can do what we can,” she said.
The Village Ultra, started last year by Halpern in order to raise money for a local child’s medical bills, is a series of races and circuits that brings runners and walkers through various loops all starting and ending at the Town Common on South Main Street.
Halpern said the event is a great way for residents to meet their personal walking or running goals while also supporting the school.
“This is an opportunity for people to get outside for a quarter-of-a-mile or even to run for 24 hours — or anywhere in between — it is for people of all levels of athletic ability,” she said.
The event will run from 7 p.m. on Sept. 1 until 7 p.m. on Sept. 2. Those interested can register online at bit.ly/2ORstGb. According to Halpern, the cost is $90 for full, 24-hour participation, $50 for 12-hour participation or $10 per hour to participate. Individuals are welcome to drop in anytime, said Halpern, but suggests those running at night bring a flashlight or a headlight for safety. All ages are welcome to join.
Individuals who complete a minimum of a quarter-mile run will receive an individualized wooden medal with their name and distance etched on it, said Halpern.
Last year, she said, runners came from all over, including as far away as New Jersey, for the event. This year, Halpern said, one runner is planning to make the trip up from Pennsylvania to partake in the Village Ultra and encourages local residents to join as well. There will be food available at the event donated from local businesses, an area for people to set up tents and plenty of space to cheer on the participants.
Mahar Superintendent Tari Thomas said she was excited when Halpern reached out to the school regarding the fundraiser.
“When they asked I say, ‘Yes, of course.’ We are trying to get some traction out there to get people signed up and have some fun, get some fresh air and also give money to the school,” she said.
Participants can also register at the event starting at 6 p.m. on Sept 1. Donations will also be accepted.