The setting sun behind the Boston skyline and over the winding pathways of the Charles River Esplanade, will be the backdrop for the inaugural Esplanade 5K Sunset Run on Thursday evening, June 2, at 6pm. Presented by the Esplanade Association, the 100% privately funded friends group for the Charles River Esplanade, the 5K race (3.2 miles) will be open to runners of all abilities and include prizes, giveaways, refreshments, and more. Rain or shine, it will start and end at Fiedler Field and loop along the Boston side of the Charles River Esplanade, allowing runners to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the park with their friends, families and canine companions. Participants are invited to run with their dogs in a special group. The race will be limited to 300 participants so those interested are encouraged to register early at racemenu.com/Esplanade5K. The $50 registration fee includes a Patagonia race t-shirt and an Esplanade Association membership.
All proceeds from this inaugural event will directly benefit the Esplanade Association’s campaign to restore the historic Lotta Fountain to a place of cultural significance and resource for pets and their owners. The six-foot stone fountain was constructed in 1939 in the name of entertainer and philanthropist Lotta Crabtree and for generations it provided a destination for dog owners visiting the Charles River Esplanade. However after years of neglect, the fountain no longer works and needs significant conservational and engineering repairs. With the public’s support, the restorations of this treasured and useful landmark is expected to be complete in the fall of 2016.
The first annual Esplanade 5K would not be possible without the generous support from the following sponsors: Wayfair, Unit Realty Group, Dashing Whippets, Cocobeet and Eckert Seaman’s Attorney at Laws.
On behalf of the greater Boston community, the Esplanade Association works in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation to restore, manage and enhance the Charles River Esplanade for the enjoyment of all. Because the Esplanade Association receives no public funding, public support is crucial to guarantee that this vital destination and urban oasis continues to flourish and grow. (www.esplanadeassociation.org)