The Scarborough Primary PTA is hosting the 13th annual Race 2 The Point 5K Run/Walk . This community event unites families, students, businesses, and runners with the shared goal of raising funds for the area’s three primary schools: Eight Corners, Pleasant Hill, and Blue Point. The race is  designed to actively involve even the youngest members of the community.

“The previous PTA board was seeking a significant fundraiser to cover all costs of the programs they support at the three K-2 schools in Scarborough,”said Sharon Oslin, current chair of the Scarborough PTA. “This would replace many little fundraising efforts. This is our biggest fundraiser currently and it of course depends on the year with sponsors and weather. But, it helps determine our budget for the following school year.”

Business sponsorships are critical to the event’s success, Oslin said. “The business sponsorships are the linchpin of our fundraising efforts. The race registrations cover the timing of the race, Direct Effect Entertainment donates their time every year to DJ for us, and then the business sponsorships are the profit that help fund in school presentations, field trips, classroom supplies and other needs that the schools may request. It is rare that we have to turn away a request thanks to the donations we receive.”

All ages and abilities are eligible to participate.  “We have a free kids fun run for ages 1-5,” Oslin said. The parking lot is blocked off to cars and a small course is mapped out for them to “run” with their family or on their own. Then a more competitive option was introduced for kids 5-12 “This is the 1/2 mile race, which is timed and we have awards for all age levels: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-12 I believe. Then of course the 5K, which some students run both. We do have the Scarborough Police Department VIPs led by Officer Greenleaf  help with parking and ensure safety on Pine Point Road.”

Looking back on past successes, Oslin highlighted the tangible impact of funds raised from previous events on primary school programs. “In the fall, every classroom teacher is allocated funds for their individual classrooms. Programs like Chewonki and Mad Science provide educational experiences for every classroom.”

Oslin said she hopes funds raised in this year’s event will surpass previous fundraising efforts. “We have already exceeded our sponsorship and fundraising goals for this year,” she said. Notable among this year’s sponsors is Allergy & Asthma Associates of Maine, serving as the Presenting Sponsor with a $2,500 contribution. 

Laura Petrolino, a local business owner and sponsor of the event, echoed Oslin’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of community involvement. “One of the wonderful things about the Scarborough business community is that the majority of us are not just business owners, we are also Scarborough neighbors, parents, and friends. As a mom and business owner, it’s one of the things I love most about living and working in Scarborough. Events like Race 2 the Point allow us to wear all of those hats and come together as a community to support our kids,” Petrolino said.

The 13th Annual Race 2 the Point is scheduled for Saturday, March 23. There is a fun run for the littlest runners at 10:30 a.m. and then the official race starts at 10:45 a.m. People can register in advance at https://runinarace.rezdy.com/93613/race-2-the-point-5k-and-1-2-mile-dash-races or at the site.

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