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UTICA — Families Against Narcotics, a nonprofit based in Macomb County, will hold its 16th annual Run Drugs Out of Town 5K Run/Walk fundraiser at 10 a.m. June 30 at Jimmy John’s Field in Utica.
The Utica City Council approved the event 6-0 March 12. Councilwoman Faith Terenzi was not at the meeting.
This event is expected to draw close to 2,000 people. It aims to increase awareness of addiction and raise money to fund programs that FAN provides to individuals and families who have been affected by the disease.
The family-friendly event features a 5K run and a noncompetitive walk, vendors, music, teams honoring loved ones, and a ceremony.
FAN had to move this year’s Run Drugs Out of Town from its usual location at Fraser High School because of a road construction project that will be going on around the school this summer.
FAN Executive Director Linda Davis said that while it’s unfortunate that road construction forced organizers to relocate Run Drugs Out of Town this year, they are excited to have secured Jimmy John’s Field for the event.
“We’re looking forward to this new location and the beautiful race route that comes along with it,” she said.
Run Drugs Out of Town participants will run or walk the 5K either individually or as a team. This year’s race will start inside the stadium, then runners and walkers will head out to a 5K course that will go through the biking/hiking trail off Auburn Road and into River Bends Park. The run/walk will then finish at home plate back inside Jimmy John’s Field.
“Run Drugs Out of Town is such an exciting fundraiser and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone on June 30. This is a fun, uplifting, family-friendly event for the entire community. We hope you’ll come out and join us and bring your family and friends. Together, we can face addiction now and make a difference,” Davis said.
Diane Engardio, the race director, said Run Drugs Out of Town is more than just another 5K run/walk.
“There’s just something special about nearly 2,000 people coming together on a beautiful summer morning to support not only FAN, but also the individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by substance use disorder. This is truly a community event to be enjoyed by all, and we’re excited to be bringing it to the city of Utica,” she said.
FAN will give recognition to the top fundraising team and top fundraising individual, as well as to the largest team. All runners will receive medals, with the top finishers in multiple age groups earning special medals.
FAN’s programming includes monthly forums; Hope Not Handcuffs; community naloxone training and education; peer and family recovery coaching; the Stronger Together family and friends support group; the Comeback Quick Response Team; the Harm:Less Harm Reduction Support Team; the Redirect addiction-related diversion program; and sober living scholarships.
There were more than 1,800 participants in the event in 2023.
The new early packet pickup location will be at the new FAN office at 43800 Garfield Road, Suite 200, in Clinton Township. Early pickup will take place 1-7 p.m. June 26-28. Walk-up registration only will take place 8:30-9:30 a.m. June 30 at Jimmy John’s Field.
Auburn Road will be closed at 9:30 a.m. due to the race.
Jimmy John’s Field is located at 7171 Auburn Road. To register for Run Drugs Out of Town, go to familiesagainstnarcotics.org/rundrugsoutoftown or call (586) 438-8500. Participants who register before May 30 may be eligible to receive a discount.
For more information, visit families againstnarcotics.org/rundrugsoutoftown.
