Community Race to Benefit Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment

5k and Half-Marathon to Raise Funds for the West Branch Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission

roa-logoSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT – The Running Over Addiction half- marathon and 5k run/walk races will be held Saturday, Oct. 29, at the South Williamsport Park Complex as a fundraiser for the West Branch Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission.

The West Branch Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission is a private non-profit human service agency. The commission is dedicated to serving the prevention, intervention and treatment needs of individuals, families and communities of Lycoming and Clinton Counties affected by alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Directed by local resident Melissa Jackson, at 10 a.m. the half-marathon race will start and at 10:15 a.m. the 5k run/walk race will begin. Participants can register online at runsignup.com.

The fee is $45 for half-marathon participants and $20 for 5k participants until Sept. 30. Starting Oct. 1, the fee is $50 for the half-marathon and $25 for the 5k. There is also a family discount rate. Registration closes Oct. 14. Race shirts will be issued to participants who register by Oct. 8.

The race will accomplish two goals. First, it will create community awareness of the services available to families impacted by addiction as local organizations that provide such services will have booths during the event offering informative materials to participants and observers.

“This event is more than just a race. Our community is suffering greatly because of addiction. Drugs and alcohol are destroying our neighborhoods. Our loved ones are dying,” Jackson said. “Even if you do not know anyone currently battling addiction, that may change in the future. It can happen to anyone. Knowing where to turn for help is critical.”

Secondly, the proceeds will go directly to the West Branch Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission.

“This organization provides invaluable services to our community,” Jackson said. “One of the critical services they provide targets prevention. They go into our schools and into the community to teach others about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. This effort is key to battling addiction in our communities. We must prevent it in the first place, and the key to that is educating young people before they ever take that first drug or drink.”

Shea Madden, Executive Director of West Branch Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission, said events like this help create awareness of the ever growing issue of substance abuse and addiction in local communities.

“We understand the impact addiction has on families. Our staff and treatment providers work tirelessly to educate young people about the dangers and treat those who have become addicted. Our mission is to prevent and reduce substance abuse in Lycoming and Clinton Counties,” Madden said.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the event can contact Jackson at runningoveraddiction@outlook.com.

Sponsors of the race include, state Rep. Garth Everett, AIDS Resource, Susquehanna Health, White Deer Run Treatment Network, Genesis House, Crossroads Counseling Inc., Gaudenzia, Pyramid Healthcare, Williamsport YWCA, Panda Patriot, Cable Services Company Inc., and Evangelical Hospital

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