Just two years ago, Matt's Mission 5K drew a record crowd of over 1,100 runners to North Branford. This year, with a little more than a week left until race day, race founder Lynn Riordan is concerned to see registration numbers stalled in the low 200's. Now, she's on a mission to help get race registration numbers up to speed. The eighth annual Matt's Mission 5K is set for Sunday, May 21 at 9:30 a.m. at North Branford High School, 49 Caputo Road.

"Our goal is 1,200 runners; but I would ecstatic if our number comes in at 900," said Riordan.

Riordan's concerned the delay in advance registrations may have something to do with her stepping away from the event. In May, 2016, Riordan announced last year's Matt's Mission 5K would be the final one she would organize; as part of her overall decision to step away from overseeing day-to-day operations of non-profit Matt's Mission Fund. Riordan still kept her connection with Matt's Mission Fund as a board member and treasurer.

Upon announcing her retirement from running Matt's Mission Fund and future Matt's Mission 5K races, Riordan also shared that a community-based committee would oversee future races. Future race proceeds would be split between funding on-going Matthew Picciuto Scholarships for North Branford High School (NBHS) graduates and assisting NBHS athletes with needs and costs outside the school budget (this year's event proceeds will help high school teams with uniform upgrades).

Riordan has only praise for the committee which stepped in to organize Matt's Mission 5K. It includes many representatives of NBHS and the school district.

"The school system, the teachers, principals and the superintendent have been great and working hard on this," said Riordan.

The committee has already successfully secured event sponsorships for this year's Matt's Mission 5K, Riordan noted. But, "... for some reason, registration is the lowest it's ever been. We need those numbers to go up," she said.

Because of that, Riordan has stepped back in to assist with the event.

"It may have been premature for me to retire from it," she said. "I am willing to chair this event every year to guarantee its continued success."

This year's Matt's Mission 5K falls on Sunday, May, 21, two days before the eighth anniversary of the loss of Riordan's son, Matthew Picciuto. On May 23, 2009, at age 18, he died in a car accident, just weeks away from graduating from NBHS. His yearbook quote included his desire to "make a difference." By giving back to the community, the goal of Matt's Mission Fund has always been to honor Picciuto's memory, encourage everyone to slow down and drive safely, and raise awareness to the consequences of destructive driving decisions. To date, Matt's Mission Fund has raised and donated over $250,000 to assist the local community.

"This event still does raise awareness; and Matt's Mission Fund is still viable and still helping those in need," said Riordan. "This is now the only [Matt's Mission] fundraising event. I really hope the community will continue to get behind it, and come out and make it a success."

Volunteers are welcome and participants can run or walk the certified 5K (3.1. miles) that starts and ends at NBHS. Race time-keeping and results are overseen by J.B. Sports, an event management company that organizes some of New England's top running events, fitness expos and health walks. Matt's Mission 5K rolling course passes residential neighborhoods, farmlands, and fields before finishing on the track at NBHS.

Matt's Mission 5K is Sunday, May 21 at NBHS, 49 Caputo Road. Advance registration is recommended and helps ensure registrants will receive a tech T-shirt. To register, click here  Same-day registration is available, beginning at 8 a.m.  5K starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by awards and post-race party at 10:30 a.m. All participants are invited to enjoy a post-race party with food, beverages, family activities, entertainment, awards ceremony & more.　Top three M&W finishers in each division receive awards. Divisions are as follows: 12 & under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 & 80+.