The 9th Annual Playworks Run for Recess 5K takes place Saturday, May 19.

On Saturday, May 19, students and staff members from four Somerville schools will participate in the 9th Annual Playworks Run for Recess 5K presented by Playworks New England in partnership with the New Balance Foundation. Funds raised through the family friendly 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run, which will take place along Franklin Park’s world-famous cross country course adjacent to the zoo in Roxbury, will support play and physical activity in 140 elementary schools across New England.

The participating schools from Somerville include: East Somerville Community School, West Somerville Neighborhood School, Dr. Albert F. Argenziano School, and Benjamin G. Brown School.

Somerville team members will join an expected 1,000 participants, including students and families representing 49 elementary schools in the Greater Boston area, who will run with the collective goal of raising $15,000 for Playworks New England. In its 12th year, the nonprofit, which is part of a national organization, brings play and youth development programming into schools during recess as a means to improve the health and well-being of children and to enhance learning through the power of play.

“Playworks is the only national nonprofit working to leverage recess as a time of day when kids can be active and play as well as learn important social and emotional skills, such as conflict resolution and collaboration, needed to thrive in the classroom and beyond,” says Jonathan Gay, Playworks New England Executive Director. “We are grateful to our partner schools who allow us to work with their staff and students every day to create a welcoming place on the playground for all students.”

Participants can choose from one of two running routes along the Franklin Park Playstead Field. All runners will get a Playworks goodie bag. The first 400 runners registered will receive a free Playworks t-shirt. An award presentation for the top three finishers will take place at the conclusion of the race. All participants will receive certificates.

Registration and start times are as follows:

Pre-Registration and Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.

One Mile Fun Run beings at 10:00 a.m.

5K Run for Recess begins at 10:30 a.m.

Recess 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

All ages welcome. Registration fees range from $10 to $50, dependent upon route and group packages. All fees increase by $5 for onsite at Franklin Park. To register for the 9th Annual Playworks Run for Recess 5K on May 19, to support a school team, or to volunteer, visit: https://www.playworks.org/new-england/event/playworks-9th-annual-run-recess/. For further questions, contact Karleen Herbst, Playworks New England Development Manager, at kherbst@playworks.org or call (617)-708-1734.