The Coach Mike Lawrence Twilight Run is back in Gardner this fall after having a successful first event last year. On Saturday, Nov. 7, the run will be put on by the Gardner High Cross Country and Track Booster Club to celebrate retired running coach Mike Lawrence, who gave back to the community by coaching various cross country and track programs for 47 years.
Lawrence is a graduate of Narragansett Regional and WPI and began coaching at his high school alma mater before he even graduated. He went on to join the Gardner staff in 2003 and contributed to middle school cross country and high school indoor and outdoor track.
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The coach's impact spans generations of Wildcat runners, so the run has been the perfect way to honor him and his contributions. Proceeds from the run go directly to the running programs at Gardner to help support the student-athletes that are carrying on Lawrence's tradition.
Participants are welcome to run or walk the 5K route, and are encouraged to wear bright colors, neon and lights to illuminate the course. There is also a kids' fun run that will take place prior to the 5K.
Sign-ups are open on Race Roster with options for the kids fun run, the 5K walk or run and the choice to include a shirt with your registration.
The GHS Booster Club is also looking for organizations or individuals for sponsorships for the race. Reach out to the Booster Club's Facebook or email tinabettez@gmail.com to get involved.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Coach Mike Lawrence Twilight Run returns to celebrate longtime coach