OXFORD — The Oxford Recreation Department is holding its first annual Run the Town 5K and Walk this Saturday. Proceeds from the race will benefit Oxford’s Summer Rec program, offsetting tuition for families in need of assistance and buffering costs for equipment and entertainment.

The race starts at 9 a.m. from Oxford Town Office on 127 Pottle Road. The route picks up Webber Brook Road, turns left onto Morse Avenue and left again onto Coldwater Brook Road. After reaching Pottle Road again runners and walkers will turn left and then right back into the parking lot of Town Office.

Registration is $30. Online registration closes May 3 at 1 p.m. but according to Oxford Recreation Director Kayla Laird, participants can sign up in person until 8:30 Saturday morning.

“We encourage people to form teams and set challenges,” Laird said. “Our rec counselors will be on hand at the race to help runners through. They’ll man water tables along the route, pass out granola bars, hand out bib numbers. The top three finishers in each category will be awarded medals.

“This race is a way people can help support all the kids who need it. Last year, which was the first for summer rec, eight families requested help. Fortunately we took in some private donations for scholarships.”

In 2023 100 kids attended Oxford’s Summer Rec, 69 residents and 31 from other communities. The cost is $75/week for those living in Oxford and $150/week for non-residents. There are part-time attendance/rates slots available as well.

Oxford’s Run the Town 5K is being sponsored by Bearfoot Realty, Laird’s Family Tire & Service, Muck’s Truck’s Towing, Everett Propane and Maine Line Plumbing & Heating.

For more information on participating in the race or about Summer Rec, please email Laird at [email protected] or call 207-539-8094.