Community Corner

RAP River Run Expands, Adds Cash Prizes

Organizers say this year's race will be bigger and better, but will still focus on raising money for Youth and Family Alternative's Runaway Alternatives Project, or RAP House for short.

Land O' Lakes area runners looking for the next big race or those who just want to get outdoors to support a good cause might want to put June 8 on their calendars.

Organizers of the RAP River Run have announced an expansion of the popular event, which includes the addition of cash prizes for the top finishers. The event is also broadening its scope to enable beginners, children and families to participate and enjoy the scenery of Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey.

New features this year include a 5-mile run, a 5K walk, a 5K walk and stroller strut, a Kids’ Adventure Fun Run with obstacles and more. There’s even a “sleep-in” event where supporters can just mail in a check, sleep in on race day and still get a T-shirt to show their support.

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Cash prizes will go to the top finishers in the 5-mile and 5K events.

In the five years the RAP run has been staged, the annual event has raised more than $400,000 for Youth and Family Alternative’s Runaway Alternatives Project, also known as the RAP House, according to a media release on the upcoming race. The RAP House, located in New Port Richey, is one of three short-term shelters for youth ages 10 to 17 operated by Youth & Family Alternatives. It provides a place for children from all over the Tampa Bay area who are in crisis to stay on a short-term basis. To learn more about it, visit Youth and Family Alternatives online.

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While still months away, organizers are already accepting registration for the event. Advanced entry prices vary on the competition participants want to enter. The Kids’ Adventure Fun Run, for example, is $15 to enter prior to May 1 and the 5-mile event costs $30. For more details or to get a mail-in registration form, visit the event’s website.

What do you think about the expansion of events at the RAP River Run? Let us know by commenting below.


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