'The course is completely flat': Running Out of Summer 5K may be way to go Aug. 24 in Spencer

Once the calendar turns to August, we know we're running out of summer.

And there's one event on the Central Mass. race slate that properly celebrates that fact.

The Running Out Of Summer 5K is set for just less than two weeks from now, Saturday, Aug. 24 — 08/24/2024. The race runs less than a week before many if not most area students return to school, and certainly after many high school sports teams have vaulted into fall practice.

Yup, we're running out of summer. But this race, presented and conducted by Rapscallion Brewery from its beginning, projects the positive for summer lovers, held still before the leaves start falling, all while helping worthy causes, benefiting two- and four-leggged friends alike.

The venue has changed for the seventh running of the event, with the start, finish and post-race party moving to the friendly confines of O'Gara Park in Spencer. But the race's support for Second Chance Animal Services remains as strong as ever.

Second Chance, a nonprofit animal welfare organization, was founded in 1999 as an animal shelter for pets in need. Twenty-five years later, Second Chance operates community veterinary hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield and Worcester, offering subsidized rates for underserved communities to ensure access to care for all pets.

(Columnist's note: Second Chance has provided our household with wonderful companions, through adoptions processed by a most attentive staff, while providing qualify care. RIP, Kenzie and Luigi.)

"We've been with Second Chance from the beginning," said Heidi White, who has been race director for all seven years, starting when the event was held at Hyland Orchard in Sturbridge. "Their low-cost clinic is wonderful, providing affordable medical care to their pets."

According to White, Running Out Of Summer 5K has raised around $20,000 for charity over the previous six years, and in 2024, the event will forward part of the proceeds to the Spencer Parks & Recreation Department.

"They've been super excited about the race," White said of the department and town officials. "They've welcomed us with open arms."

Rapscallion, which has a pub in Sturbridge just down Arnold Road from the original course at Hyland Orchard, also has a brewery and tap room in Spencer and a table and tap in Acton.

In fact one year in Acton, Rapscallion offered a Running Into Summer 5K on Memorial Day weekend.

The brewery and race officials feel they've struck gold with their O'Gara Park venue, especially logistically.

"With the course along the Spencer Rail Trail, we don't need a police detail," White said. "There are no street crossings, and the course is super safe."

Indeed, the scenic course is particularly participant-friendly.

"The course is completely flat, not paved, but the path has packed dirt," added White, who recently surveyed the route. "It's also good for strollers, wide and clean, and it's also wide enough for the up-and-back, as runners running in the opposite direction to and from the midway points will have plenty of room to pass."

Any Team Hoyt participants will start with their chairs a few minutes earlier than the scheduled 10 a.m. start for the rest of the field.

The Running Out Of Summer 5K, which also was hosted at the Brimfield Winery, is generating a novel excitement this year. Rapscallion will have a tap system flowing at O'Gara Park post-race, when food, drinks and fun will celebrate the event.

All entrants receive a custom, gender-specific super soft commemorative shirt, a bottle-opener finisher's medal and a drink token, for use at any Rapscallion location.

Now, how to cash in the drink token ...

At the early packet pickup at 4-7 p.m. Friday the 23rd at Rapscallion in Spencer (8 Meadow Road), the token can be redeemed for a taste of the Running Out Of Summer raspberry lager, or saved for race day or later.

During post-race festivities at O'Gara, the Second Chance Animal Services adoption van will be on hand so all can meet and play with loving, adoptable canines. There will be raffles with fine prize packages to raise money for Second Chance and Spencer Parks, all while taking in the music and replenishing with food truck delicacies.

Racewire again is on hand for registration and timing.

As of early last week, entries were up around 100, according to White, ahead of the pace for the past couple of post-pandemic races, with the new location apparently appealing to participants. The race has attraced fields of about 150 in recent years.

"Moving (the race) is tough, but preparations have proceeded rather seamless and easier than in the past," said White, a former runner and leader of the Wormtown Milers. "But I think we'll be getting a lot of people."

Race-day registration at O'Gara Park begins at 8 a.m. For more information and registration, visit visitrapscallion.com/event/running-out-of-summer-5k/.

—Contact John Conceison at john.conceison@telegram.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ConceisonJohn.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Running Out of Summer may be way to go in Spencer