Runners will once again have a chance to honor an Andover woman and teacher while raising money for a good cause at the 12th Annual Step Up for Colleen 5K on May 4.
Registration is now open for the race, which honors Colleen Ritzer, who was killed by a student while working as a math teacher at Danvers High School in 2013. There will be an opening ceremony at 8:45 a.m., followed by the race at 9 a.m.
This year’s opening ceremony will feature a performance of the national anthem by Todd Angilly, who sings at each Boston Bruins home game.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund, which fosters a society of compassion with kindness as a motivating influence in all its endeavors. Renowned for her kindness, zeal for life, teaching, and love of family, the organization emulates Colleen’s compassion through scholarships, grants and other programs with kindness and education at their core.
The Step Up for Colleen draws walkers and runners of all ages to the USA Track & Field certified course. Most wear pink, which was Colleen’s favorite color.
“Each year, the overwhelming sea of pink ascending Bartlet Street at the Step Up for Colleen fills our hearts with gratitude and reminds us how deeply Colleen touched the lives of so many,” said the Ritzer family. “Those that participate in the annual event remind us that Colleen’s legacy of kindness, compassion, and positivity endures and will never be forgotten. We are incredibly thankful for the participants and volunteers who set aside a Sunday morning each May to celebrate and remember Colleen.”
This year’s event emcees will be Magic 106.7 radio personalities David O’Leary, Sue Tabb, and Kendra Petrone. The post-race festivities will feature music, refreshments, Boston sports mascots, a balloon artist, face-painting, friendship bracelet making, and much more. An awards ceremony will be held at 10:30.
Online registration is available at colleenritzer.org. The first 3,000 people to register are guaranteed an official 2025 race shirt, and everyone on each team of 10 or more people will receive a special gift. Virtual registration is available to those who cannot attend in person.
Since its inception in 2014, nearly $600,000 in scholarships have been awarded to 114 future teachers and leaders, some of whom have already begun their teaching careers and are pursuing master’s degrees.