Mary’s Walk 2022 Will Be In Person with a Virtual Kerrymen 5K Run
The Mary's Walk and Kerrymen 5K planning committee would like to share some exciting news about this year's event. First, the committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the participants, corporate sponsors, volunteers, members of the Saco Police department, Saco Fire department, the workers from the Saco Public Works department, and Thornton Academy for helping us raise more than $3.7 million to fight cancer in Maine during the past 23 years.
As a committee, the safety of our participants and volunteers this year is the most overriding concern. Because of that, and because at this point, we cannot predict precisely how severe the COVID-19 pandemic will be on Sunday, March 20, 2022, we have made some tough decisions about how Mary's Walk and the Kerrymen 5k will proceed this year.
The committee and the city of Saco want to give our participants a chance to come together and walk in solidarity against the disease that has affected so many. For some, the walk is a celebration. For others, it is a chance to continue the fight, and unfortunately, for all too many, it is a walk filled with memories of those who are no longer here. For everyone, it is a walk that honors our community.
This year, Mary's Walk will take place as planned on Sunday, March 20, in person, beginning and ending at Thornton Academy. The walk route has changed this year to minimize the number of outside volunteers and safety officers. The route is approximately the same length, and in part, it will take place on a section of the Eastern Trail dedicated to the memory of Mary Kerry Libby and Mary's Walk. We will attach a detailed outline of the route, and we will have volunteers on the route to direct walkers on March 20.
In an effort to keep our participants and volunteers as safe as possible, the committee has made the decision that the Kerrymen 5K will be virtual again this year. Wherever they may be, runners will be encouraged to don their Mary's Walk and Kerrymen 5k running gear and take to the streets, trails, and beaches near their homes. Runners have long been an essential part of this event and will continue to do so this year.
The planning committee again would like to thank the city of Saco for working with us to hold the event this year in person, but at the same time, participants, both runners, and walkers, may have questions. We encourage all to check our Facebook page often for the latest information, and please send us a note.
Mary’s Walk remembers Mary Kerry Libby who passed away from Burkett’s Lymphoma on March 7, 1997. Her memory keeps our hope alive. Join us in 2022 to make a difference for the people of Maine and bring hope to thousands of Maine families. Mary’s Walk benefits the Maine Cancer Foundation.