Southeast Health Aquidneck 10K returns in March, will benefit the Norman Bird Sanctuary
Calling all New Year’s resolutions and local runners and hikers, the popular Southcoast Health Aquidneck 10K road race will return on March 20, 2022!
A portion of each registration fee for this event will be donated to the Norman Bird Sanctuary to support their conservation and environmental efforts. The event is sponsored by Southcoast Health, presented by NPT Healthworks and the Fitzpatrick team from ReMax Newport and produced by Portsmouth-based Gray Matter Marketing.
The Southcoast Health Aquidneck 10K was held for the first time in March 2019, then virtually in 2020. The 2021 edition has been postponed to November this year and the 2022 event is now rescheduled for March.
“We’re excited to get back on track with our spring program as this is a popular early-season race for many runners in the area,” said Matt Gray, president of Gray Matter Marketing, in a press release. “It’s also a great opportunity to get the whole family active and take a run or walk that benefits a great local cause – the Norman Bird Sanctuary.”
“We are proud and grateful to be the beneficiaries of the Aquidneck 10K,” said Kaity Ryan, Executive Director of the Norman Bird Sanctuary in a press release. “The support of Aquidneck 10k — and every person who participates — helps us fulfill our conservation and environmental education mission. The event brings the community together for a morning of outdoor fun and exercise.”
Ryan adds that “The Norman Bird Sanctuary is the largest contiguous wildlife sanctuary on Aquidneck Island. Home to an incredible variety of wildlife and seven miles of hiking trails, it is also a popular place for Aquidneck Island residents and visitors to get outside and explore.”
Nearly 400 runners and walkers completed the 2021 Southcoast Health Aquidneck 10K, with Ken Vinacco (Scituate, RI) breaking the finish line in a staggering 33 minutes and 41 seconds. Linda Spooner (Sturbridge, MA) led the women’s race in 38 minutes and three seconds, setting a new women’s record for the track.
The 6.2-mile course begins and ends at Sachuest Beach. Participants walk or walk past marram grass and sand dunes down Sachuest Point, passing the Norman Bird Sanctuary on Hanging Rock Road, stunning homes and historic churches that showcase the beauty of Aquidneck Island.
Registration and more information about the event can be found at www.aquidneck10K.com.