Saturday, July 5 marks another year for the Ametek Tree City 5K Race/ Walk in Kent. The point-to-point race will start at Dix Stadium at 7 p.m. and stop at the archway of the Lester A. Lefton Esplanade near downtown Kent.

 Registration costs up until the day of the race are $25, then increase to $30.

 Phil Faluotico, a Tree City Race board member, said all proceeds, after race bills have been paid, will go to the United Way of Portage County, a non-profit program in Ravenna.

 “That money will support areas of education, income and health, which are our three focus areas,” said Brian Duchon, president and CEO of United Way of Portage County.

 Matt Guska, owner of 157 Lounge and a Tree City Race board member, said the race promotes a sense of community between the university and the city.

 “The ending location of the race will allow participants to easily attend the Heritage Festival downtown,”  Faluotico said.

 Faluotico, said it will be the first year that the race finishes at the arch. In the past, the race ended at College Street. There are plans for next year’s the Tree City Race to become a loop race.

 Guska said there will be follow-up rewards and giveaways at 157 Lounge, where there will be a sponsored after party.

 Following the race, the first place overall winners in the male and female categories will receive awards, according to the registration website.

 Registration for the race will continue to the day of, from 10 to 2 at Dix Stadium.

 Sponsors include: Portage Community Bank, Marathon Financial Services, Family and Community Services, Inc., PARTA, Central Portage Visitors Bureau and 157 Lounge. 

Contact Alyssa Flynn at [email protected].