The St Charles Children's Home 5K is scheduled for its 15th year on Sept 5th, 2011

July 10, 2011 - PRLog -- Portsmouth, NH has many great road races of all lengths, including 10K's, marathons and half marathons.  It also has some great 5K road races, but few as long standing and better recognized as the St. Charles Children's Home 5K.  

Sept 5, 2011 will be the 5K's 15th year which is something very few races can brag about.  "I believe it is a testament to the event's professionalism, cause and reputation to be a fun day for runners of all levels" says Chris Bernier, co-owner of Sub5racing.com.  "When we had the opportunity to work behind the scenes to help the 5K increase its runner registration, I was amazed at how well run this event is." continues Chris.

Fourteen years ago, the global insurance brokerage company, Willis founded a 5k road race that St. Charles could call its very own. The race has grown by approximately one hundred runners annually, and has raised more than $155,000 for the Home.

The race strives to attract serious runners, while at the same time providing a culture that is friendly to families, children and beginners. The event stands out because participants have the unique opportunity to run with the children they are raising money to support. The children are recognized at the award ceremony of every race.

“We are extremely excited for yet another great race to benefit our kids,” said Sister Mary Agnus Dombroski, Race Coordinator. “How blessed we are to have so many caring people who come out every year to make a difference!”

The complete race info and online registration can be found at http://www.runningnuns.com

"To miss out on this well established 5K event is simply a shame." says Chris.  "I am really having a hard time finding a better 5K event in NH and perhaps all of New England, no matter what level of runner you are." continues Chris.

# # #

Since 1968, the NH Catholic Charities of Rochester, has staffed the St. Charles Children's Home which accepts children who have been removed from their family by court order and are under the protection of the Division of Welfare. The grief and anger flowing from a troubled past tends to erupt in disruptive and sometimes violent behavior in these children. In the spring of 1996, the sisters had a “family meeting” with the children to talk with them about healthy ways to release anger and negative emotions. The children came up with many ideas to vent anger in healthy ways. Soon Rose—one of our most aggressive girls—was going for daily hikes on a nearby trail with Sister Maximilian. By the end of the summer these daily hikes turned into daily runs. Meanwhile, the boys became jealous when they heard that Rose could run more than a mile without becoming tired. Since then, the sisters and children run four miles a day and participate in local 5k road races during the year.