'This project really resonates with me': Sutton's Klinghard's passion evident by creating area road race to benefit veterans

While the pursuit of becoming an Eagle Scout is an individual endeavor toward supreme accomplishment, those Scouts indeed play a huge role in improving all around up through their community service projects.

Sutton High junior Amsden Klinghard has come up with an event that serves in so many ways — along with fulfilling his Eagle Scout requirement in Troop 131, he's also caring for our veterans in need, and of course, adds an event to our Central Mass. Running Calendar.

Klinghard, who runs track and cross-country at Sutton, is excited about his Eagle Off-Road 5K for Veterans, set for Saturday, May 18, at Shaw Farm in Sutton. That's possibly an understatement as this 17-year-old race director has been visualizing this event since last summer, began planning in the fall, and now sees the fruition on the horizon, with the race taking place in less than two weeks.

"This brings a lot of things I'm passionate about together," Klinghard said. "I've worked with the American Legion post in my town, and this project really resonates with me."

More: Looking for a local road race? Check out the updated Central Mass. Running Calendar

While the race promises to be an enjoyable romp over Sutton High's cross-country course, it also serves as a supply drive for homeless veterans in the area. Instead of the cash/check/whatever entry fee, participants are requested to donate three items (toiletries, sheets, clothes, etc.) in a care package, with a suggested value of $30.

"This will be a big donation for these veterans; they'll really appreciate it," Klinghard said. "I don't think I could've picked a better project."

Klinghard, who annually helps Legion Post 414 members distribute American flags on veterans' graves at cemeteries on Memorial Day, is working directly with the post, which will forward the care package donations to Veterans Inc. for distribution.

Klinghard, who has been in Scouting since fourth grade, has run cross-country, indoor and outdoor track for the Sammies, though he did not run indoors this past winter. His best 5K time is 17:54, set in last fall's Twilight Meet at the Barnstable Fairgrounds, and he won a couple of dual-meet races for Sutton in 2023.

Making matters easier for Klinghard is that the race is on his home course and not entering the roads, thus no need for hiring police details, which could be costly. Still, the task is tall, and Klinghard expected nothing less.

"It is a little more complicated than I thought it might be; it's an out-of-the-box project," he said. "It's a lot of work, but just taking the initiative is worth it."

The event does take on a small-race appearance, not unsimilar to a Sutton cross-country dual meet — one can expect the official with a stop watch, clipboard and pencils, tongue depressors handed out at finish line with place. With limited parking, the race will be capped at 100 entrants.

Plenty of water will be on hand, on the course and after the finish. Medals will be awarded to top male and female finishers in various age groups.

With Klnghard's likable, amiable personality, it's no surprse he'll have plenty of volunteers on hand to help, between teammates and fellow Boy Scouts. "I do have enough," he said,

He would like the entry list to pick up, with the current roster now in the teens. Sutton running regular Howie Bottomly has lended valuable advice on outreach and getting the word around.

"The numbers aren't where I want them to be, but they'll pick up," Klinghard said. "It's all about the veterans."

Klinghard notes sponsors for the race include Sneakerama, Tony's Pizza and Chase/Harris Septic Corp., which is supplying two portable restrooms on site.

The event does not have a website, but there are links for signup, waiver form and supply wish list and more information. In addition, Klinghard can reached at aklinghard@icloud.com.

As the race draws near, Klinghard is starting to relax about it, even as he takes on the mile and 2 mile during Sutton meets this spring.

"I'm starting to have fun with it now that it's coming together."

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

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Sutton Scout has benefiting veterans in mind with new road race