By Carson Lambert

clambert@civitasmedia.com

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_half-marathon.jpgCourtesy photo

NEWBERRY — This Saturday Newberry will host the third annual Half Marathon and 5K with proceeds going to support Boy’s Farm Inc.

“It’s a way to highlight the community and raise awareness and money for Boys Farm,” said race organizer Mark Baumgartner.

Baumgartner, a former resident of Newberry, has been putting on races since 2010 in places such as Lexington and Columbia.

“The problem with Columbia is there are so many races there so I thought it would be nice to do something somewhere else,” he said. “Newberry has quaint neighborhoods and I was thinking from a runner’s perspective it would be a nice place to run.”

Roughly 350 runners have registered so far representing 17 different states with registration remaining open until 7:30 a.m. the morning of the race.

The cost is $75 ($80 on race day) to participate in the the half marathon and $40 for the 5K. All who register in advance will receive a free commemorative dri-fit technical-style race shirt.

Organizers are still seeking volunteers to serve as course marshals to direct runners along the way.

Mayor Foster Senn said hosting the Half Marathon and 5K has multiple benefits for the community.

“It brings many people to town from multiple states who stay in local hotels and dine in our restaurants,” he said. “It encourages local people to run and walk and gives local folks a good goal to aim for as they seek to be fit, whether running or walking. And the net proceeds benefit Boys Farm. That’s all very positive.”

Senn said he appreciates law enforcement officers an volunteers who make the race possible.

“We especially appreciate Mark Baumgartner for creating and directing this race and Woody Cornwell, the volunteer coordinator,” Senn said.

Visit www.newberryhalf.com for more information or to register for the event.

Reach Carson Lambert at 803-276-0625, ext. 1868, or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.