The 13th annual Rotary River Road Races/Walks are scheduled for Saturday, June 27, at Black Mountain of Maine. A scene from last year’s event is pictured.

First in challenge series taking place

RUMFORD – The first race of the fifth annual River Valley Challenge Series will be at the 13th annual Rotary River Road Races/Walks scheduled for Saturday, June 27. The races/walks will start and finish in the parking lot of Black Mountain of Maine at 39 Glover Road.

The races are a major fundraiser for the Rumford Rotary Club, and proceeds are shared with Black Mountain of Maine to support healthy outdoor activities. Rotary uses its portion to provide scholarships and contributions for local projects.

The race program will offer , and 1-mile distances in the parking lot for children and parents starting at 8 a.m. FiveK and 10K road races/walks will start in the parking lot at 9 a.m. and will follow a route out and back on the road from town.

Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. Fun run fees are $5 and the road races fees are $15 prior to race day and $20, day of the race. T-shirts will be available for the first 50 runners to register.

Rotary Club and the race sponsors will provide water stops, split times, refreshments, awards for overall and age group performance and a raffle of local business gifts.

In addition, awards will be presented for winners in the 2008 River Valley Challenge Series.

This year the 2009 River Valley Challenge Series will include the Rotary 5K and 10K races on June 27, the Andover Olde Home Days 4.5M race on Aug. 1, the Dixfield Bicentennial 5K race on Aug. 15 and the Black Mountain of Maine 5K Trail Race on Oct. 31. Participation in at least two races is required to qualify for awards.