TURNERS FALLS — For this year’s Brick House 5K race, the Community Resource Center is emphasizing that winning the race is no more important than simply finishing it.

“We’re giving out prizes in a lottery system this year,” said Deborah Frenkel, co-founder and organizer of the annual fundraiser. “This is something that’s really in line with what we do with our community and the Brick House promoting equity and inclusion for everyone. … We’re really excited for that and how it gives extra excitement and opportunity for everyone participating.”

The Brick House 5K, which benefits the Brick House Community Resource Center, is a pay-what-you-can race along the Canalside Rail Trail that includes both five-kilometer and one-mile routes. First organized in 2016, it will be held again this Saturday, starting at the gravel parking lot at the top of the bike path at Unity Park in Turners Falls. Check-in begins at 9 a.m., with the start time slated for 10 a.m.

The event is free for local children ages 18 and under and $20 for those older than 18 with advance registration. Those interested may register in advance at runreg.com/11535 until 7 p.m. on Friday. Additionally, there is a pay-what-you-can registration option the day of the race. Donations will also be accepted at the registration site.

Frenkel said there are typically about 70 runners who race each year. As of Wednesday afternoon, 25 runners had registered in advance, she noted.

This year’s lot of prizes will primarily include gift cards from local businesses, Frenkel said. Businesses who donated include Aubuchon Hardware, The Country Creemee, LOOT, Buckingham Rabbits Vintage, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens, The Rendezvous, Rock Fossil and Dinosaur Shop, Swanson’s Fabrics, The Upper Bend and The Wagon Wheel.

Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-930-4231 or jmendoza@recorder.com.

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