Get ready to walk-run-ride in Rotary Club's annual event

Madolin Edwards, The Daily American
·3 min read

ROCKWOOD ― The Rotary Club of Somerset continues its mission of improving the community May 4, with its third annual Walk-Run-Ride Event at the Great Allegheny Passage trailhead.

“We’re pleased to enter into our third year of facilitating this exciting community event, which is designed to promote health and wellness while connecting participants to the natural beauty and amenities that our region so handily affords," club President Amy Baglio said. “The event exists as an important fundraising opportunity, as all proceeds directly benefit charities within the community."

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The walk and run begins in Rockwood and will loop halfway at the Meyersdale Trailhead, then return to the Rockwood Trailhead. The bike portion, 24 miles, begins at 9 a.m. The 10K run begins at 9:05 a.m. The 5K run begins at 9:10 a.m. The 5K walk begins at 9:15 a.m.

Event registration is held from 8-9 a.m. that day at the Rockwood Trailhead parking lot adjacent to the GAP and across the Casselman River from the business district in Rockwood. The parking lot address is 11 Rockdale Road, Rockwood. Pre-registration continues through April 19, which guarantees a T-shirt in a preferred size, as well as the opportunity to provide corporate sponsorships. Check the Eventbrite site for complete details.Proceeds benefit Somerset Rotary Club projects.

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"Each year the Somerset Rotary Club disburses tens of thousands of dollars back into our local community for various charities and worthy causes," said Joshua Miller, past-past president in an email. "The annual requests, each year, exceed our ability to give. We saw this as an opportunity to create a meaningful community event while simultaneously bolstering our ability to fund various local projects."

New features have been added for the more serious race-goers this year.

"These types of events build each year. Our event has been well received both by individuals and the business community," Miller said. "Going into the third year, now that a solid foundation has been laid, we seek to scale the event with new offerings and event features."

The new features include:

  • Official timing with race bibs.

  • Introduction of a 10K Run to complement the existing 5K Walk, 5K Run, and 24-mile Bike Ride.

  • Recognition for the top three finishers in each category with trophies.

Additionally, special prizes will be awarded for children participating in the event that day.

“This event also affords a venue for connecting with our friends and neighbors to raise money for a good cause," Baglio said.

"We have a tight-knit community that is supportive and helpful. Most often, we’re finding that the people participate because they want to help a worthy cause," Miller said. "Many of them just enjoy being on the trail that morning and thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie. Participating in this event is an easy, direct, way to make a local impact."

Madolin Edwards can be reached at medwards@dailyamerican.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Walk-Run-Ride Event is one of Rotary's community fundraisers