Marblehead Dollars for Scholars’ 12th annual Run for the Fund 5K and Family Walk fundraiser will take place on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. at Devereux Beach.
The course will loop around scenic Marblehead Neck, and all levels of runners and walkers are encouraged to come out and support this nonprofit organization that has provided financial need-based scholarships to local college students for 38 years.
Marblehead Dollars for Scholars president Jac Bentley said the primary goals of the event are community engagement and fundraising through registration fees, sponsorships, and donations.
“Most importantly, the event will raise scholarship funds for Marblehead students in a positive, energetic environment,” he said.
This is the fifth of eight races in the Marblehead race series, and event Co-Chair Jennie Sheridan hopes to see a great turn out of runners and walkers, including middle and high school students, former scholarship recipients, if they live locally, and family and friends of those who have permanently endowed scholarships with the organization, among others.
As a long-time board member and member of the organization’s high school awards committee, Sheridan knows the importance of this fundraising initiative.
“College is incredibly expensive, and our scholarships help offset the cost and enable students to attend when it might otherwise be financially out of reach,” she said.
In addition to Sheridan, the race committee is composed of Andy Thompson, Chris Saulnier, Emily Green, and Katie Sheridan.
Runners are encouraged to register early (pre-registration closes at 6 p.m. on Oct. 3) and the first 100 registrants will receive a long sleeve performance T-shirt. Register online at: raceroster.com/events/2025/109783/marblehead-dollars-for-scholars-run-for-the-fund.
Race day registration will also be available at Devereux Beach starting at 7:30 a.m. Cash, checks, and Venmo payments will be accepted. Registration fees are as follows: adults $35 until Oct. 3 ($40 on site), students ages 10-18 $25 until Oct. 3 ($30 on site), and kids under 10 $15 until Oct. 3 ($20 on site). Sheridan encourages participants to choose to fundraise for the race when they register online.
For runners, the race will be professionally timed by Bay State Race Services and prizes donated by Marblehead Sport Shop will be awarded to the top three male and female runners. Water and post-race snacks will be provided, and the MHS golf team will provide volunteer support at the race water stops.
This year’s race sponsors include National Grand Bank, Salem Waterfront Hotel, M/R Rockett Management Co., Inc., and The Agency/Mike Cannuscio.
“We are grateful for our sponsors, whose contributions help defray the costs associated with the race, leaving more money for our scholarship fund,” Bentley said.
As a local nonprofit organization, Marblehead Dollars for Scholars relies on yearly fundraisers like the Run for the Fund to achieve its mission.
“We hope the community will come out to support us as we raise scholarship dollars to help Marblehead students realize their educational dreams,” Bentley said.
Nancy Marrs is a member of the Marblehead Dollars for Scholars Board of Directors.
