This year marks the tenth anniversary of Pam’s Run, one of New England’s largest charity 5K Run or Walk, 10K Run and Kids’ Run for ages 2-9. Pam’s Run is the signature event supporting Neighbor Brigade, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that supports local families facing sudden crises. The race will take place on Sunday, October 16 at Claypit Hill School in Wayland. Registration tables open at 8:15 a.m. and the first gun will go off at 10:00 a.m.
Chief Human Resources Officer of Reliant Medical Group, 1983 Wayland High School graduate and childhood friend of Neighbor Brigade founder Pam Manikas Washek, Joe Ricciardi will emcee the event.
Pam’s Run is dedicated to the memory and legacy of Pam Manikas Washek, a tireless champion for families facing sudden crisis. Pam was inspired to found Neighbor Brigade (formerly Wayland Angels) in 2002 while battling cancer. Her vision was to help others in crisis with free and immediate services provided by fellow community members. It is a simple idea with tremendous impact in providing relief while strengthening the fabric of a community, according to the Neighbor Brigade website. Pam’s sister and Pam’s Run Race Director Joanna Manikas states, “Pam’s dream was to spread the mission of neighbors helping neighbors to as many communities as possible, because ‘who wouldn’t want to live in a community like that?”” Sadly, Pam lost her battle with cancer in 2012. Ten years later, Pam’s mission lives on through the twenty-eight Neighbor Brigade chapters throughout Massachusetts and beyond, the thousands of volunteers and their services to thousands of families in need, and through Pam’s Run.
Since the inaugural event in 2013, Pam’s Run has gained increasing notoriety as one of the foremost 5K/10K races in New England. With marked routes throughout tree-lined backstreets of Wayland, Pam’s Run offers several age divisions with prizes for the top three placers in each division. Every participant in the Kids’ Run will receive a ribbon. All runners and walkers that register before Thursday, September 29 will receive an early bird discount and commemorative t-shirt.
In addition to the race, there will be live music by local cover band Daddios, food trucks, a kids’ tent filled with activities and an obstacle course. There is truly something for everyone at Pam’s Run.
Pam’s Run Planning Committee Needs Your Help! For those that don’t want to walk or run but still want to help ensure the day is a success, there are two ways to contribute:
- Sponsorship: As with any non-profit charitable organization, this event would be not be possible without the generosity and financial support of sponsors. Several sponsorship levels are available.
- Volunteers: Pam’s Run is an enormous undertaking that requires the help of more than 120 volunteers on race day. Whether you sign up as a course marshal, water station attendant, finish line support or wherever is needed, there is a role for everyone and no experience is necessary! High school students who need community service hours are encouraged to sign up. Sign up to volunteer online.
To register or to obtain more information about Pam’s Run visit the website or email Race Director Joanna Manikas at pamsrundirector@gmail.com.