Whether you want to walk in the footsteps of the Pilgrims or take to the roads at a faster pace, take advantage of the many activities available in Plymouth this season.
Footsteps of the Pilgrims
PLYMOUTH – Walk in the footsteps of the Pilgrims on the historic Plymouth seasonal walk, April 5-Nov. 27. Historic sites on the route include the Forefathers Monument, Burial Hill, Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Harbor and the Mayflower II. Other attractions include museums featuring Pilgrim life as well as expansive vistas of Plymouth Harbor. The walk routes are 5K or 10K (3.1 or 6.2 miles). The trails are rated easy but are not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. The registration for both walks and the start point for the 10K is the Lighthouse Fitness Center at 430 Court St. (508-746-8770). The 5K walk requires a 3-mile drive to the start at Burial Hill Cemetery. The times are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday; from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Ask for the Walk Box at the front desk. The walk is sponsored by the Walk ‘n Mass Volkssport Club. Volkssporting events promote fun, fitness and friendship by providing noncompetitive walking and other sporting events free to the public. Volkssporting also offers an achievement awards program. For information, call 508-222-1152, e-mail magoo249@comcast.net or visit www.ava.org/clubs/walknmass.
Sandwich Road Race
PLYMOUTH – The first Old Sandwich Road Race is scheduled for Sunday, June 6, a half-marathon to be run on Old Sandwich Road, the oldest road in America. Originally a trail used by the Wampanoag Native American tribe, Old Sandwich Road later became the nation’s first true public road and a stagecoach route to ferry passengers and mail back and forth between the Massachusetts towns of Plymouth and Sandwich. Today, the road remains pretty much as the Pilgrims left it; a wide, scenic, dirt road bordered by beautiful tall pine trees and towering oaks.
Profits from the first Old Sandwich Road Race will go to the Home for Little Wanderers’ Baird Center, located at 900 Ship Pond Road in Plymouth. The Baird Center works with boys in grades 4 through 11 with social and emotional issues. Much like Old Sandwich Road’s claim to being a first, The Home for Little Wanderers, founded in 1799, is the oldest child welfare services agency in the United States.
In addition to the half-marathon, the Old Sandwich Road Race features a 10K, sponsored by Plimoth Plantation and Entergy and starting at Plimoth Plantation, plus a Kids Classic. The Kids Classic features four 1-mile kids races with age groups from 7 to 14 years of age and a children’s fun sprint of 100 meters. The Kids Classic will take place on the track at Plymouth South High School, which is also the end point for both the half-marathon and 10K.
For information about the race and registration, visit www.oldsandwichroadrace.com. If you would like to be a sponsor (the minimum is $250), contact Craig Brenner at craigvbrenner@yahoo.com or 781-419-4207 to inquire about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities.
Ryan’s Ride
PLYMOUTH – Ryan’s Ride Inc. was established by Sandi Silvia. Her son, Ryan, died Dec. 5, 2004, due to injuries from an auto accident. Through this tragic experience, Sandi was inspired to help others in a time of crisis. A detailed mother’s story and mission statement are available at www.ryansride.net. Sandi, along with the volunteers of Ryan’s Ride Inc., would like to invite the public to help raise funds for a great cause.
The first Ryan’s Ride bike ride will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 26, beginning at Pilgrim Memorial Park on Water Street in Plymouth. The ride is open to those age 12 and up. The course will be a scenic 12-mile route from Plymouth Rock to Myles Standish State Forest where there will be a water and restroom break before returning to the waterfront. Other events of the day will be a BMX demonstration, craft fair, music, food, I.D. fingerprinting, prizes and more. Registration fee is $20. Registration will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. June 26. Online registration is encouraged at www.ryansride.net through June 19. Participants registered by June 10 will receive a Ryan’s Ride T-shirt.
Jenney Grist Mill road race
PLYMOUTH – Bayside Runner, Brooks Running and the Jenney Grist Mill have announced a fun summer 5K road race, run and walk to support the work of the Jenney Grist Mill. The Jenney Grist Mill 5K starts and ends at the historic Jenney Grist Mill and goes through the scenic Morton Park in Plymouth. The race will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 26. After the event, participants will gather at the Run of the Mill Tavern (near the mill) for an awards ceremony, prizes and a raffle for Brooks Running gear. All race proceeds are donated to support the Jenney Grist Mill’s work. For more information, visit www.gristmill5k.com or contact Adam Stuhlfaut, race director, at adam@baysiderunner.com or 508-591-8422; or directors Leo and Nancy Martin at Jenney Grist Mill, via info@jenneygristmill.org or 508-747-4544.
March for Babies
BUZZARDS BAY – March for Babies, a March of Dimes fundraiser, will take place at the Cape Cod Canal June 27. Register at Buzzards Bay Park on Main Street in Buzzards Bay at 9 a.m. The walk kicks off at 10 a.m. Dan Clark, the “Singing Trooper,” will sing the National Anthem to kick off the 3-mile walk along the Cape Cod Canal. After the walk, enjoy vendors, three live bands, lots of food and children’s activities, including Wally the Green Monster. Register online at www.marchforbabies.org or call Diane Pratt at 508-759-7819.
Pan-Mass Challenge
Register online for the 31st annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge. Log on to www.pmc.org to register to ride. Open to 5,500 cyclists, the PMC will be held Aug. 7 and 8. This year’s goal is to raise $31 million for the Jimmy Fund, which supports cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Riders can register for one of 10 routes, including four one-day and seven two-day treks that range from 47 to 190 miles. Minimum fundraising requirements range from $1,000 to $4,200, depending on the route chosen. Registration cost is $125 or $170 depending on the route selected. Support services, meals and overnight accommodations will be provided. Log on to the site or call 800-WE-CYCLE for information.
Frogs for Freedom run
PLYMOUTH – The UDT-SEAL Association New England Chapter will host the Frogs for Freedom third annual Poker Run Saturday, Aug. 7, starting 10:30 a.m. at The Black Raspberry Pub, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Plymouth (508-830-0022). First bike out at 10:30 a.m.; all bikes finish by 2 p.m. Registration is at 9 a.m. The $20 registration fee includes a commemorative T-shirt and NSW Foundation pin (while supplies last), door prizes and 50/50 raffle, live Dixieland Band and cookout. Additional T-shirts and poker hands are $15 each. Plaques awarded for the largest group and the best and worst poker hands. All are welcome. The Frogs for Freedom Poker Run benefits the Naval Special Warfare Foundation. For more information, call Ron at 781-789-4425.
