Sheriff's Shuffle 5k Run Walk

Race information
 
Come show your support for the young people of Western Massachusetts as this year’s Sheriff’s Shuffle 5k Run/Walk raises funds to support Sheriff Nick Cocchi’s Youth leadership Academy!
 
Date:  Sunday, October 15, 2023
Time:  8:00am-10:00am -- Registration /check-in
10:30am -- Race begins   
11:00am – Live music behind the Elks Lodge  
Place: Ashley Reservoir, Holyoke, MA
Elks Lodge, Holyoke, MA
 
Entry Fee:     $ 35.00 -- Advanced
$ 40.00 -- Day of
Post Race:    Live music, food truck, refreshments, awards and raffle
 
This year’s Sheriff’s Shuffle will be located at the Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke, MA. The 3.1-mile running course is a flat loop trail which circles the pristine reservoir. Day-of race registration/check-in and post-race entertainment will take place at the Elks Lodge, just a short distance from the starting line. The 1.5-mile walking course will also be on site. After the race, join us on the back lawn for a celebration which will include live music, food trucks, awards, refreshments, games and raffle. All registrations include a long sleeve, dry-fit shirt! Please remember that parking at the Elks Lodge is limited. Overflow parking will be close by, with shuttle service available before and after the run/walk. Please remember that dogs are not permitted on the reservoir but are welcome at The Elks. If you have questions about the event or getting involved, please contact race coordinator Davis Snow at (413) 887-7479.
 
Description
 
The Sheriff’s Shuffle has a history of bringing together the community in support of local agencies whose mission is to provide services to those in need. The monies collected have been donated to a variety of agencies in our community such as the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, Shriners Hospital for Children, Griffin’s Friends, the South End Community Center and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield and Holyoke.
 
The Youth Leadership Academy, now in its fifth year, is a free camp operated by Sheriff Cocchi’s office to give young people with incarcerated parents or who live in economically challenged areas of Western Massachusetts a chance to experience a summer of fun, adventure and learning. The camp is operated thanks to donations, so every single dollar raised directly benefits the young people the camp serves. 
 
From late June to early August, the camp is held at the Elias Brookings School in Springfield. In addition to excursions to destinations around the region, children take part in daily activities ranging from arts and crafts and sports to mindfulness and reflexive yoga. Breakfast and lunch are provided for all campers, as are positive role models and life experiences.
 
“This camp is a way of giving back to the community and building a positive relationship with law enforcement at a young age,” Sheriff Cocchi said. “Summer camp is typically expensive and many local families can’t afford it. Our Youth Leadership Academy alleviates the financial concern and gives parents a break for a few weeks, while giving the kids some lessons and great memories. My goal is for this to continue to grow each year and have a positive impact on even more young people.”
 
The summer day camp began serving around 40 young people in 2019, and has tripled in size, including more than120 children, ages 7 to 12, per week. Outside of the six weeks of free camp, the Sheriff’s staff works with nonprofit partners to raise money to buy holiday presents for YLA guests and their siblings each December. 
 
Help us bring awareness to this great program and support the Youth Leadership Academy!