Participants are needed to “run for a reason” during the third annual Red Kettle Race in Brackenridge.
The 5K race and one-mile family fun run Nov. 13 is sponsored by the Salvation Army Allegheny Valley Corps and Community Center.
“We use this as our holiday kickoff,” Captain Alex Senak said. “We do a ton with the community at the holidays, as far as toy drives and meals.”
Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. with events stepping off at 8:30 at the facility, 917 Brackenridge Ave.
A to-go pancake breakfast will follow.
The race has drawn about 60 people in each of its first two years. Senak said he would like to grow that number to 100.
“We would love to get more of the community involved,” he said.
The cost is $20 for the 5K or $15 for the one-mile fun run before Oct. 30. The price includes a T-shirt.
Prices will climb $5 in November.
Proceeds from the race are lumped in with the group’s overall Red Kettle campaign, which last year surpassed its goal of $110,000 by more than 30%. Holiday donations brought in $145,000 for operations, which include distribution of warm clothes, meals and an Angel Tree for families in need of holiday gifts.
“We were hesitant because of covid but people were so generous, we couldn’t believe it,” Senak said. “We’ve been there five years and it’s the most we’ve ever raised.”
This year’s Red Kettle goal is $130,000.
Much of the money is generated from volunteer bell ringers who station themselves at retail outlets throughout the Alle-Kiski Valley and encourage people to drop coins into their kettles.
On race day, borough police will assist with safety, guiding participants along the flat path from Brackenridge Avenue down Morgan Street and then along the river into Tarentum, past the ATI plant and back to the Salvation Army.
“This event helps serve families in need all year,” Senak said. “We believe it makes a difference in bringing the community together.”
To register for the race, visit salvationarmywpa.org/rkr.
