PHILLIPSTON – For the fifth year, over 100 people are expected to take to the streets for the annual Ryan’s Run 5K Run/Walk.
The fundraising event will take place this Saturday, June 13, beginning at 11 a.m. at The Common in Phillipston. The run is held in memory of Ryan Twohey, who died in a vehicle accident in January 2019 at the age of 27.
Ryan’s mother Jean Twohey explained that the first 5K was organized by members of the Congregational Church in 2019, but because of the pandemic, it wasn’t held again until 2022. The event raises money for the Ryan Twohey Scholarship Fund, which gives scholarships to seniors graduating from Narragansett Regional High School. Each year, three $1,000 scholarships are presented.
“Ryan was an avid runner in track and field and cross country, so we always give a scholarship to someone who excels in cross country and track,” said Twohey. “We also always give one to someone who is going to major in history or who simply loves history, because he (Ryan) was a history buff….And last year we gave one to a girl was a standout hockey player.
“This year (Ryan’s) longtime coach Joe DiMucci suddenly passed away in March. So we also want to give out a scholarship in his honor,” she added.
Twohey said last year around 125 people took part in the event, but this year, more than 130 have signed up. The race takes place on the same day as the Phillipston Congregational Church Village Bazaar, which gets underway at 10 a.m.
“Ryan was involved in the church and in the community, so we do the race there,” Twohey said.
The fee to enter the 5K is $25. People interested in running can print out the registration available at http://www.phillipston.com/ and either bring it the day of the race or drop it off at Lee’s Hot Dog Stand in Baldwinville.
Those registering the day of the race should show up by 10:30 a.m. Checks can be made out to the Ryan Twohey Scholarship Fund.