Plans are solidifying as organizers prep for the much-anticipated return of the annual River Rat Race from Athol to Orange.
The race, which is returning after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will kick off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 9. But there will be plenty going on before paddles hit the water as well.
As has become a tradition, the Big Cheese 5K will take place prior to the canoe race. Check-in for the 5K, sponsored by the Athol Area YMCA, will take place from 8 to 9:15 a.m. The starting pistol goes off at 9:30 a.m., with runners following a course from School Street/Prospect Street to Town Hall. To sign up, visit runsignup.com/Race/MA/Athol/BigCheese5K. Registration is $20 and entries will be taken no later than 6:59 p.m. on April 8.
Jennifer Gordon, executive director and CEO of the Athol Area YMCA, said proceeds from the Big Cheese 5K will support the COVID Relief Fund. Gordon said that — with assistance from United Way and the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts — the fund has distributed roughly $225,000 to help those impacted by the pandemic.
Other events that have become part of the day-long race festivities include the Rat Race Pancake Breakfast at the Athol Congregational Church at 1225 Chestnut St. A time for the breakfast has not yet been established. Immediately following the Big Cheese 5K will come the River Rat Promenade, sponsored by the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce.
The deadline to register for the River Rat Race is April 6. Cost is $42. Forms will be available at Else Where, 1485 Main St. in Athol, or online at riverratrace.com. Position drawings will take place on April 8, at 7 p.m. at the Silver Lake pavilion.
Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.