Upcoming: Argus Crime Stoppers Race & Walk
The Argus Group, in association with Swan’s Running Club, today calls for entries for the annual Argus Crime Stoppers 5K Road Race & Walk on Sunday, October 21, 2012. There will be a shorter event of 2.5K for juniors aged 8-15 years. Both the junior event and the 5K will start at 8.30 am, along with those taking part in the walking event. Runners will begin at 9:00 am.
The Argus/Crime Stoppers event, which is sanctioned by the Bermuda Track and Field Association, starts and finishes at the new Argus Building on Wesley Street in Hamilton.
The event is designed to raise awareness for Crime Stoppers Bermuda, a civilian community service, which enables anyone with details of criminal activity to report such information without fear of exposure or retribution by calling its confidential 24/7 hotline 800-TIPS (8477) or logging on to its new website www.crimestoppers.bm. Argus has taken over as full sponsor of the event this year and is delighted to strengthen their support of this important charity.
Everyone who takes part will be eligible to win a $700 travel voucher, along with other vouchers, in a prize draw. In addition, there is a $1,000 prize for the school with the largest number of students entered in the junior event. The first 500 people to register will also receive a free t-shirt.
Runners will be split into the following age categories: youth (16-18 years), open (19-39 years), masters (40-49 years), seniors (50-59 years) and veterans (60+ years). There will be a trophy/plaque for the male and female 1st and 2nd place finishers in all age groups, as well as a 3rd place prize for male and females in all age groups except veterans.
Registration is available online at www.racedayworld.com. Alternatively, entry forms can be collected either from the Argus offices at 14 Wesley Street, Hamilton, or SportSeller in the Washington Mall. The entry deadline is 4.30 pm Friday, October 19. The entry fee is $35 for adults/youth (there is a reduced fee of $27 for Swan’s Running Club members) and $15 for juniors.
Race numbers should be picked up on Saturday, October 20, between 12 noon and 2:00 pm at Argus offices. Late registration will be accepted during this time for an extra fee of $5. There will be no late entries allowed on race day.
John Drew, Chairman of Crime Stoppers Bermuda, says: “The annual Argus Crime Stoppers 5K Road Race & Walk is an important way for us to get the word out about Crime Stoppers as a community resource, which can be used to confidentially report any details of crime. Rewards of up to $2,000 are offered for information leading to a successful arrest or seizure of illegal drugs or firearms.
:Additionally, with the financial assistance of several concerned businesses in the community, a reward of up to $100,000 can be made available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in firearms incidents. Financial awards aside, the key thing is encouraging people to step up and speak out for the safety of their community.”
Alison Hill, Chief Executive Officer of the Argus Group, says: “Crime Stoppers Bermuda plays a vital role in the fight against crime so Argus is happy to once again support the organisation in raising awareness. As a leading property insurance company on the island, we are committed to promoting the crime prevention agenda. The event also brings the community together to get active, which speaks to our preventative health care ethos.”
All applause to those participating in such a worthy cause, but I’ve said it before and will say it again. As the charity walking season is now upon us and with the mix of walkers, runners and traffic, PLEASE be mindful to keep to the left where motorists are permitted to pass. Keep baby strollers on or as near to the sidewalk as possible. Understand that if you keep as out of the road as you can, motorists will have much more level heads and not be impatient. Don’t get caught up in conversation and ignore the line of traffic behind you…have your wits about you. Don’t cross the street unless directed by a marshall..as you will be creating a dangerous situation. We don’t want a needless collison to mar such a wonderful event.