SARATOGA SPRINGS —Kelly’s Angels Mother-Lovin’ 5K Run/Walk is returning to Saratoga Spa State Park this year for an in-person event on Mother’s Day, May 8, while also offering a virtual option for those who would like to help the charity from a distance.
The pandemic forced Kelly’s Angels to move the Mother-Lovin’ 5K to a virtual setting the last two years, which last year resulted in a successful effort to register participants in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
This year, as in-person events resume, the bucolic woods-lined paths of Saratoga Spa State Park will serve as the setting to raise money for families who have lost loved ones to cancer or other illness or are battling life-threatening conditions.
Mark Mulholland, of NewsChannel 13, founded Kelly’s Angels after his wife, Kelly, passed away from breast cancer in 2007 when their two children were five and seven years old.
The activities on Mother’s Day step off at 8:45 a.m. with a free Kids’ Fun Run in which children ages 9 and under race toward the finish line with moms and dads rooting them on or running alongside.
The Mother-Lovin’ 5K begins at 9:15 a.m. It is Kelly’s Angels’ signature annual fundraiser and much more than a walk (or run) in the park. It features an auction of great prizes such as restaurant gift certificates, wine, fitness and beauty baskets, and gifts for kids. There will be complimentary goodies, including chocolate milk from King Brothers Dairy and gelato from Saratoga Gelato.
Advance registration is $30 for individuals, race-day registration is $35. All participants (in-person and virtual) will receive a commemorative shirt; however, t-shirt sizes will only be guaranteed for those who sign up by April 22. Individuals, families, and teams are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Registration is open now and continues through May 7 at 10 a.m.
This year a virtual run/walk is also offered, where participants can support our cause from afar. Sign up for both the in-person and virtual Mother-Lovin 5K may be made at: KellysAngelsInc.org.
Those participating in person can pick up their registration packets in advance on Saturday, May 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Orenda Pavilion. Day-of-race registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, May 8 at the Orenda Pavilion. Awards will be given to the first and second overall male and female winners as well as first, second and third place male and female winners across eight age groups.
Kelly’s Angels gives Fun Grants to children who have lost a parent, primary caregiver, or sibling to cancer. The grants allow kids to buy something special or visit a place that makes them happy. Kelly’s Angels also provides college scholarships to area students who have overcome adversity and shown a commitment to helping other children.
