Press Release: Youth-Led Road Race Supports Open Table

Youth Led ‘Sunrise Classic’ Running Race Kicks Off at Concord’s Emerson Field

All race proceeds to benefit Open Table in its mission to fight food insecurity in Metrowest area

Concord and Maynard, MA (July 8, 2024) – Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, is thrilled to partner with local youth for the first Sunrise Classic, a dual 5K and one-mile track event to take place at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, at Emerson Field, 90 Stow Street in Concord. All proceeds from the race will support Open Table’s mission to address food insecurity in the Metrowest area.

The Sunrise Classic is co-organized by two recent Concord Carlisle High School graduates, Thomas Rivier of Carlisle and William Anstey of Concord. Both ran a full season of track, cross country and indoor track as students and wanted to create a fun summer event for local runners that would also give back to the community.

“We already knew about Open Table because of the food drives conducted by the CCHS cross country team. We needed an official 501(c)(3) organization to partner with in order to get sponsors and insurance for The Sunrise Classic. Open Table was the perfect fit,” said William Anstey.

“Both the 5K and mile races will be run on Emerson Field Track so that all runners record official times that will help them set their goals and training programs for the fall track season,” said Thomas Rivier. William and Thomas chose the early morning start time to steer clear of the summer heat and are unphased by questions about the “Sunrise” aspect of the event.  Thomas remarked, “The local running community is always up for something unique and crazy. You’d be surprised how many people will wake up in the dark to take part in a race that starts at dawn.”

Thanks to race sponsors Middlesex Bank, ASICS, Carlisle Cutters, and Run House, the Sunrise Classic will offer medals across multiple age groups for each event. In addition, all participants will receive a free Sunrise Classic T-shirt.

Registration is $35 for each event and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, August 2. To register, go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Concord/TheSunriseClassic2024

“Open Table is grateful to be the recipient of the proceeds from the Sunrise Classic,” said Alexandra DePalo, executive director of Open Table. “I am so impressed with William and Thomas for the commitment to make their idea a reality.  We are thrilled to be a part of the Sunrise Classic, and celebrate all that it represents: youth leadership, a fun event for the running community, and food relief efforts.”

Find out more: The Sunrise Classic 

About Open Table

Open Table is a 501(c)(3) established in 1989. Its mission is to address hunger in the local community by providing healthy food in a welcoming environment while respecting the dignity and diversity of those served. For more information, visit: www.opentable.org

Media Contact:
Joan Geoghegan
[email protected]
978-371-3921