The fourth annual New Life 5K Trail Run will take place this spring. The event benefits New Life Furniture Bank of MA and its mission to provide essential home furnishings to individuals and families who are transitioning out of homelessness.

The New Life 5k in all its forms is open to runners, walkers and everyone in between.  Each year the event brings out hundreds of enthusiastic supporters. Last year, the “Virtual 5k” was a tremendous success, after organizers offered one of the first virtual races in Massachusetts. Virtual runners participated last year from as far away as Australia. This year, the organizers hope that participants will have the choice of whether to participate in-person on May 8th at Medfield State Hospital, or virtually between April 17th and May 8th.

The in-person component will only occur if Massachusetts moves into the stage of Phase 4 that allows Road Races.  The organizers will determine whether or not the in-person event will occur by April 30th (If the in-person event is not permitted, in-person registrations will become virtual registrations). The in-person 5k Trail Run will include measures to ensure safe participation, including staggered start times throughout the day on May 8th.  

The virtual component will be structured much like last year. Participants create their own 5k route, or use fitness apps like MapMyRun and Strava, and then complete their route anytime between April 17 and May 8. Participants can log their times on RaceWire. On May 9, results will be posted and awards will be given.

New Life Furniture Bank of MA collects high-quality gently-used furniture and household essentials that are made available at no cost to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. New Life has remained vigilant throughout the pandemic and has continued to serve people in need by finding creative and safe ways to operate online and with minimal contact.  In 2020, New Life served almost 500 families.  The Medfield-based not-for-profit organization operates a Walpole Donation Center, and serves the MetroWest and Greater Boston area. New Life provides a meaningful option for folks who are downsizing, renovating or disposing of a loved one’s property to donate their gently used goods and furniture.

Registration is open at www.newlifefb.org/5k, with discounts for registration before April 12, and for teams of four or more.  The registration fee is $25 “early bird” and $30 regular. T-Shirts will be available for an additional fee. Those interested in being a sponsor, volunteering, donating home furnishings, or making a financial contribution are encouraged to visit www.newlifefb.org.