Lace up those running shoes, grab your baseball mitt, and join hundreds of other racers who will sprint to the finish line at the 4th Annual Boulders Dash 5K Run/Walk, as the Rockland Boulders kick off their opening weekend of the 2016 season this Saturday. Even if you’re not a runner, it’s a perfect day to take the family out to the Palisades Credit Union Park, sit back, cheer on the participants, and welcome back the the Boulders, who take on their Sussex County Rivals, the Sussex Miners, in a double-header during the race.
This year, Rockland’s beloved baseball team has raised the stakes and added an entirely new twist, dubbing the 5K a “Presidential Race” as a nod to ongoing competition for the White House. Entrants will not only be vying against each other, but also Boulders President Ken Lehner. Those who cross the finish line before Lehner will have a rare opportunity to watch a Boulders game with him in the Active International Luxury Level this season (and earn eternal bragging rights, of course).
All the proceeds for this year’s Boulders Dash will be donated to United Way of Rockland County, an organization that offers financial support to other programs in need, including those contending with the current heroin epidemic, bullying in schools, and providing adequate childcare to families in need.
The pre-party begins at 4:30 pm, when fans will pile into the main concourse and be met with healthy snacks, water, and live music in preparation. The race starts at 7:00 pm, shortly after the game’s 6:30 first pitch. When given the signal, runners will bolt their way into the stadium, where their faces will be displayed for all to see on the Jumbotron as they cross the finish line.
Think you can’t win? Think again. The prizes accommodate the youngest to the oldest male and female runners and are split into 12 different age brackets. So whether you enjoy sprinting, jogging or walking, there’s a chance for everyone to go home victorious. Plus, you can stick around for post-game fireworks, hopefully in celebration of the Boulders’ explosive bats.
