Runners, walkers, kids, and readers, mark your calendars for the upcoming, sixth annual Run Local/Read Local 5K, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17 in Ivoryton. All proceeds from this fun fundraiser will go to benefit the Ivoryton Library.

“This is the sixth year we have put on this event and it is always a lot of fun for everyone,” said Ivoryton Library Director Elizabeth Alvord.

This event is one of the largest fundraisers of the year for the library, and this year organizers are hoping to reach the 200 participant mark.

“As a non-profit, it’s very necessary for us to have fundraisers to help with our costs. We do get some money from the town for operating costs, but the rest we need to fundraise, so events such as this one are very important to us and we are always very grateful for the people who get involved,” said Alvord. “We try to come up with unusual things to do for fundraisers, things that are fun for everyone.”

In addition to getting in shape while raising money for a good cause, participants in the 5k race will also get a free T-shirt, as well as the chance to run through the beautiful Ivoryton Village, which just underwent a major face lift, and run a portion of the race through the scenic trail of Falls River.

“We have partnered up with the Essex Land Trust for use of the trail for part of the run, which we think is very special. The hope is that people love it so much that they will come back and hike through the Falls River trails and enjoy that area even more,” said Alvord.

There will be volunteers all along the way throughout the run route to ensure that everyone is safe and hydrated. For the little ones, there will be a Pumpkin Run (for children aged 8 and younger), which will start at 8:45 a.m. The route for this kids’ run is around the Ivoryton center—once for very young ones and twice around for the older little ones.

“All the little ones get pumpkins and we have special snacks for them after their race, as well as crafts and story time,” said Alvord.

Old Saybrook High School track and field and Essex Park & Recreation Running Rams coach Peter Cappezzone has encouraged his running students with participation in this race as an end of the program reward. The library has teamed up with Cappezzone to offer the Running Rams a discounted price for registration.

The 5k starts, rain or shine, at 9:15 a.m., registration begins at 7:30 a.m. the cost is $20 if registered before Tuesday, Oct. 15 and $25 registration on race day. For more information, visit www.ivoryton.lioninc.org.