A "Day" to inspire others

RUMFORD -- Steve Day, a loving husband, father, longtime community supporter and avid runner, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia.

To help the family with medical and travel expenses as he undergoes regular treatments at Mass General in Boston, a benefit will be held Saturday which includes a 5K race in the morning, with an evening with music and an auction.

The benefit starts with a 5K race with registration open from 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Hosmer filed. The race starts at 9 a.m.

The race course is as follows: Start at the Hosmer field track at the south end of the home bleachers by the restrooms, run in front of the bleachers and exit the complex left then right down the dirt road, left to Hancock Street, a right and cross Hancock Street at the crosswalk, and run towards Mountain Valley High School's first parking lot.

From there, take a left up the hill, a left at the sidewalk end and run through the gate to Somerset Street. Then go right onto Swift Avenue, after a one mile split time, take a left onto Penobscot Street. After a water station, take a left onto Lincoln Avenue, a left onto Somerset Street, cross Porter Avenue West, take a right onto Tasker Avenue, cross Hancock Street, then left into the complex and down to the tennis courts, enter the half-mile river walking trail and follow back to the track through the utility gate, with a left onto the track and finish at the north end of the bleachers by entrance.

At the conclusion of the 5K, there will be a kids' fun run. This will be two laps around the track. There will also be a bake sale and lemonade stand. Those who are interested, can pre-register up until Thursday or register the day of the race.

Pre-registration fees (deadline is Thursday) are $20 for 5K run/walk, and $15 for the fun run. Pre-register at www.active.com/running/rumford-me/steve-day-5k-2012 or ca,, Charley LeDuc at 354-7266. Race day fees are $25 for the 5K run/walk and $20 for the fun run.

The benefit continues at Black Mountain of Maine starting at 6 p.m. with a silent and live auction followed by live music from 8-11 p.m. Tickets can be bought for $10 each from Davis Florist, The Fitch Company, Adley Auto or from Charley and Jennifer LeDuc. Some of the items for the auction include Red Sox/Yankees tickets, Celtics tickets, year of dance from Expressive Movement, iPod Touch, several filled baskets, homemade goodies and much more.

You can also donate directly at: www.active.com/donate/WHYBGSD.