On Thursday, May 15, thousands of people, including many Concord High School students and staff, will set to run or walk a 5k for the annual Merrimack Savings County Savings Bank Rock n’Race.
Benefitting Concord Hospital’s Payson Center for Cancer Care, the race is now in its 12th year.
Last year $959,117 was raised to help fund research but to help provide 11,070 radiation treatments to patients who couldn’t afford them.
And, gifts are given that include gas and grocery money and nutritional supplements that can benefit the families. On average each patient gets $126 worth of gifts.
Patients who are unable to pay for their medical treatment can receive up to $106,111 in cancer care. In 2013, 89 patients received this help from the hospital. Without fundraisers like the Rock’n Race this would be impossible to do.
Groups of competitors who raise more than $3,000 or more are considered “Rock Stars.” A dozen groups raised that amount of money or more last year. Amy’s Advocates, led by Amy McKean, has continuously been the top fundraiser for the past five years, now having raised more than $20,000 for the cause.
While a participant of the Rock’n Race either runs or walks the 5k they would notice something different than a regular road race.
Bands at ten different stations along the way of the race course. Local artists — either bands or single musicians — play to cheer participants. Bands have included Boogie On Alice, Pat and the Hats, Rippin E Brakes, Mad Dog and many others.
Concord police shut down some side streets and major roads in order for the race to happen and to keep the individuals safe from cars and local traffic.
CHS’s National Honor Society Chapter has members participating in helping out to the cause.
Connor Tibbett’s a junior at CHS and a member of the society has volunteered his time on Thursday to direct traffic on the race site. Not only is he helping out the cause but he is planning on completing his mandatory NHS service hours.
“Its a great community effort to raise money for a great cause,” Tibbetts said, “and it brings the community together at the same time.”