Join the Race for a Better Delaware 5K this Sunday

Delaware residents can help run, walk, stroll or race for a Better Delaware tomorrow at the Shipyard Shops at the Wilmington Riverfront.

On Sunday, April 5, 2009, Governor Jack Markell, New Castle County Executive Chris Coons, and Wilmington Mayor Jim Baker will participate in the first Race For a Better Delaware, a 5k family-based run/walk at the Shipyard Shops of the Wilmington Riverfront which aims to highlight the efforts of the “Better Delaware” initiative to promote volunteerism.

Participants can register at raceforabetterdelaware.org.

“These are tough times, but we are all in this together. We strengthen our communities through service. We strengthen ourselves by helping others,” Markell said.

The race starts at 9:00 am. Participants are encouraged to register their community service through BetterDelaware.org, an effort the Governor launched to capture the efforts Delawareans are making to improve their community.

Last year, Delaware ranked 42nd in hours volunteered. Since the Governor started the BetterDelaware.org drive, over 37,000 hours of volunteer service have been logged by the state’s citizens.

As part of the effort by the Jefferson Awards to recognize “unsung heroes,” proceeds from the race will go to benefit the Youth Leadership at the Delaware Community Foundation. This fund offers scholarships to outstanding high school students who exemplify leadership and service.