NECC will host the first annual Campus Classic 5K and Fun Run on May 4. President Lane Glenn runs with members of the President's Running Club, Patty Pierce and Monica Nelson, along the route.

In the wake of the Boston Marathon tragedy, Northern Essex Community College has announced that a portion of the proceeds from the First Annual Campus Classic 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, May 4 will benefit victims of the explosion.

The USATF certified 5K race will begin at 10 a.m. on the college’s Haverhill Campus, 100 Elliott St., and wind through the beautiful rural campus and the surrounding residential neighborhood. Competitive runners—as well as novices and walkers—are invited to participate. The race is part of the Merrimack Valley Striders 2013 Super Iron Runner Series. Registration for the 5K is $25 before April 29; $30 after that date. Online registration will remain open until April 29.

Children ages 12 and under are invited to participate in the Fun Run which is organized by age group with the first race beginning at 9 a.m. Registration for the Fun Run is $10. Following the race, there will be children’s activities including face painting, an obstacle course, and a balloon artist.

The first 200 5K registrants and the first 50 Fun Run participants receive t-shirts. 5K Awards will be given to the top male and female overall plus age divisions: 14 and under, 15-18, 19-25, 26-30, 31-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+. All Fun Run participants will receive an award.

Since this is a Campus Classic, participants are encouraged to wear apparel from their own college as they run or walk. Proceeds from the race will benefit the NECC Annual Fund, which provides support for student scholarships and academic programs, and OneFundBoston, which has been established to help the people affected by Monday’s tragic event.

The Platinum Sponsor for the race is Sovereign/Santander.

For more information or to register online, visit https://www.necc.mass.edu/campus-classic/ or contact Lindsey Mayo, NECC director of alumni and donor relations, lmayo@necc.mass.edu or 978 556-3621.