Want to get fit in new year? Take a walk, run for literacy

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Organizers of READ Jackson County’s first 5K Run/Walk for Literacy strategically decided Jan. 1 would be a good day to launch it because many people include exercising and creating a healthy lifestyle among their New Year’s resolutions.

“Everybody is on a health kick at the start of the year, and we’re hoping people take advantage of that,” race director Matt Nicholson said.

The 5K run/walk starts at 11:10 a.m. Thursday at Freeman Field Recreational Facility, 2476 N. State Road 11, with preregistration packet pickup at 10 a.m. The cost is $15, and all ages are invited to come out.

Nicholson said proceeds will go to READ Jackson County, which has been providing literacy services to families since 1988. The nonprofit provides literacy tutors and classes to area youth and adults, Seymour Middle School Reads, and conversational English and Spanish classes.

He said the group also is looking to train tutors to offer assistance with individuals with dyslexia.

“Anybody that needs help learning to read, we can do that,” said Nicholson, the agency’s executive director.

If the ground is frozen, the route for the event will be on the grass course near the entrance of the recreational site. If it’s not frozen, it will use the concrete path.

Either way, registration and packet pickup will be at the shelter house, where there also will be a warm area to stand.

Participants can sign up online at raceroster.com/events/

2015/4093/5k-runwalk-for-literacy or on the morning of the event.

Through Friday, more than 25 people had registered. Nicholson said the organization’s goal is to have about 100 participants.

For the 2016 race, Nicholson said he’s looking for about five people to volunteer to be involved with an advisory board, so new ideas can be brought to the event.

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For information on the race, contact Matt Nicholson at [email protected].

Find READ Jackson County on Facebook at facebook.com/READJacksonCounty.

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To register, visit raceroster.com/events/2015/4093/5k-runwalk-for-literacy

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5K Run/Walk for Literacy

Jan 1: 10 a.m. preregistration packet pickup. 11:10 a.m. race begins.

Cost: $15

Proceeds go toward READ Jackson County’s services.

All ages welcome.

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