The seventh Nayatt 5K Run/Walk in Barrington is just two weeks away. That means spring is right around the corner despite last week's snowy weather.

The annual PTO fundraiser at Nayatt School is "way more than just a race," said Jennifer Scalia, co-chairperson of the event along with Ed Roskiewicz. "It's a series of races, a raffle and a neighborhood event."

“The main event is the 5K Run/Walk, of course, which starts at 10 am and takes place on a USATF sanctioned course,” said Scalia. “The course is beautiful. It winds through the neighborhoods of Nayatt School and along the banks of the Barrington River.”

But starting at the 7:15 am registration, there will be music provided by the Bayside YMCA “to get everyone stretched out and excited for the kids' races,” said Scalia. 

The kids’ races include a 1-mile run for ages 6-12 starting at 9 am, and a 1/3-mile run for ages 5-9 and a 50-yard dash for ages 2-4 starting at around 9:30 am.

NBC 10's chief meteorologist, Mark Searles, who lives in Barrington, “will be announcing the event and the race winners. All 1/3-mile runners and 50-yard dash participants will receive a medal, she said.

“Medals will also be awarded to the top finishers in each age group for the 1-mile run, and a $100 cash prize will be given to the top overall male and female 5K participants,” said Scalia. “You can also get your friends, family or co-workers and run as a team. The fastest team will also be awarded a prize.”

Youth and adult sized T-shirts will be given to runners and walkers in their race bags on a first-come, first serve basis, she said. 

“We will also have a table-top fair made up of our larger sponsors, which will provide food and drinks at no charge,” said Scalia. “A raffle will be part of our fair, which will include great items such as a Bose Iphone SoundDock.”

Bring a non-perishable food item for a donation to TAP-IN and “you will get a free raffle ticket for the prize of your choice,” she said.

The 5K run will again be timed electronically by RaceWire. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place finishers for males and females in each of these age categories: 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+. 

“We encourage people to pick up their race bags on Thursday (3/21) or Friday (3/22) before the race if possible,” said Scalia. “All the race details are on the website.”

You can register online as well at www.nayatt5k.com.

Main sponsors this year include Veracode, Bank Newport and RI Foot Care, Inc. Many other local businesses support the event as well, she said.

“We can’t make this happen without them,” said Scalia. “We are excited for a fun and exciting day for kids and adults, with a focus on health, exercise, community and family. See you on twenty-third."