A local farm and a nonprofit are getting people amped up for a “unique” fundraiser taking place in town.
On Sept. 7 beginning at 9 a.m. at Hill Creek Farms in Mullica Hill, runners and walkers will join for the HEADstrong Foundation’s Running aHEAD of Cancer 5k Run/1-Mile Walk. Michelle Barr, of Woolwich, has been designated as the fundraiser’s beneficiary. Participants of all age levels and athletic abilities are welcome.
Dogs and strollers are welcome, but runners are advised to start in the back to avoid injuries.
Registration will remain open until the race starts. To join the 100 registered runners, visit www.Headstrong.org and click “races” in the drop-down menu. Same-day registrations will be available. Registration costs $40 for the 5k, $20 for the mile.
A time-keeping company will track runners’ times as they cross the finish line.
Barr has been battling breast cancer since a relapse in 2017, according to a joint press release from HEADstrong and Hill Creek. She currently seeks treatment at a Pennsylvania hospital while also raising two children who go to school in the Kingsway Regional School District.
The route will go through Hill Creek’s apple orchard, various fruit fields and an old horse track. Director of Fundraising Jeff Baxter said the race’s route will be familiar to people who’ve done winery runs.
Within the race is a Little Apples Dash meant for kids ages 10 and under. The route, Baxter said, is roughly 50 yards long.
Baxter added, following the race, participants will be given coupons for various apple foods at the farm as Sept. 7 begins Hill Creek’s apple season.
“We will also have representatives to talk about our services and how cancer affects families in the area,” Baxter said. “There will be some live music to get people amped up.”
In addition to running in the race, participants can raise money through a fundraising page the organization creates. Some of the pages include “Raise the Barr for a Cure,” the Swedesboro-Woolwich school district and Clearview lacrosse.
Those who cannot make it, but still want to donate, can visit www.Pledge.Headstrong.org/HillCreekFarm5k and select a team to donate to. Day of donations will be available.
“We’re trying to engage the local community in our fundraising and keep the support up while we’re also supporting them,” Baxter said. “Hill Creek really made it easy for us to set up for the event.”
To volunteer for the race, email Baxter at Jeff@Headstrong.org, or visit the registration table at the race.
“It’s a unique event, not only do you run/walk for cancer research, but also spend the day out in the farm,” he said. “When we built the event, we wanted to separate ourselves from everyone else so that people can enjoy their area more.“
