Saint Columcille Division 36 AOH, Worcester, MA
from National Director William Sullivan …
Division 36 AOH has devised a unique fundraising endeavor. Advertised as “The Race for the Rest of Us”, Division members recently took part one weekend in a road race like no other! As in just about all road races, participants pay an entrance fee. These entrance fees are used to fund the Division’s cultural activities. The two-day event begins with a Friday night all you can carb spaghetti dinner, followed by the road race on Saturday.
The 0.5k (1640.415 ft.) road race on Saturday morning, starts with coffee and donuts during registration. Just prior to the start of the race there is the presentation of the colors by Division 36’s Color Guard, followed by a bagpiper, who accompanies the singing of the Irish and United States National Anthems. Then the race begins!
Halfway along the race route, water and New England’s favorite and most well-known pie maker, Table Talk, which coincidently have been made in Worcester since 1924, are offered to all participants. Upon completion of this grueling event, racers are treated to a free liquid refreshment.
As you can see from the accompanying photos, some members dress up to add to the fun. The total length of this race is about twice around the AOH building … the racers never leave the Worcester Irish Cultural Centre’s property!
Congratulations to the officers and members of Division 36 AOH in Worcester, Massachusetts for creating a fun, energizing and unique fundraising activity. They invite other Divisions across the US to follow their lead and establish their own similar unique road race! It is events such as this one, that make us all proud to be members of the oldest, largest and greatest Irish Catholic organization in the United States, the AOH!
