Northborough Raising Bullying Awareness Through 5K

This Saturday, Northborough students and parents will take more steps -- enough for a 5K - to discourage bullying.

Northborough Stands Together Against Bullying's 4th Annual Bullying Awareness 5K Run/Walk is at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Melican Middle School, 145 Lincoln St.

Registration is $20 for adults, and $10 for students through grade 12. Race day registration starts at 7:30 a.m.

The proceeds will support bullying awareness programs, Melican Assistant Principal Michelle Karb said Monday.

Karb said the 5K developed from a meeting among Northborough's four elementary principals, Melican Principal Patricia Montimurro, and her to discuss anti-bullying efforts.

"While we were working through the new law, the new regulations, we thought, 'Wouldn't it be great to get everybody together to raise awareness and do a 5K,'" Karb said.

A number of students run or walk, she said. 

Organizers also will have  bracelets available that say "Everything counts" and "everything matters" to "remind people about how they treat one another," Karb said.

The event has drawn about 100 people annually, she said.

Organizers hope 150 people turn out on Saturday, she said.

About 60 people already are pre-registered, compared to 20 to 25 typically, she said.

Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers in these age brackets:

• Under 15
• 15 to 19
• 20 to 29
• 30 to 39
• 40 to 49
• 50 to 59
• 60 and over