Run for the Hills 5K is Next Week

Lace up those running shoes—the first fun run of the season is in 11 days.

The first annual "Run for the Hills 5K Road Race" takes place on April 17, and completes a trio of local races sponsored by the three hamlets of the town of Bedford throughout the year.

"We wanted to be in the running, so to speak," said Janet Jacobsen, president of race's sponsoring organziation, the Bedford Hills Neighborhood Association. "Katonah has their 5K and Bedford Village has the Turkey Trot. We wanted to give our residents something to participate in right here."

Participants may run, walk, sprint or amble, said Jacobsen. 

"It's a hilly route—we're starting at the Preppy Turtle and heading up Main Street, and we'll eventually come down Babbit back into town. All fitness levels are welcome," she said.

The five-year old organization aims to create social events, participate in related community happenings such as the upcoming Bedford Hill Centennial, and to provide a voice for issues affecting their village. They have about fifty individual and commercial members and an even larger mailing list.

So far, 40 contestants have pre-registered, but many are expected to register the day of the race.  Jacobsen predicts over 100 runners will participate for the first annual event.

The race begins at 8:30am, with on-site registration starting at 7:30am. The entrant's fee is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the race. The first 150 participants receive a fun run tee-shirt. The event's major sponsors are Mt. Kisco Honda and Brenner Builders, said Jacobsen, and they've received help from the town during the planning process.

Jacobsen hopes that fees received will fund future projects designed to heighten awareness of the town's history and create lasting traditions for Bedford Hills.

"We're only five years old, but I think we'll be around for the next 100 years," she said.