Runners have been raising funds for Newton Athletes Unlimited for 20 years

Oct. 5—The Boston Marathon may be a massive event with international competitors, but there's another race taking place a week afterward that for decades has been raising money to help local athletes with disabilities.

Paddy's Road Race, which is marking its 20th anniversary, will take place Sunday, Oct. 17, at Border Street and Harvey Place in West Newton.

Funds support the Newton Athletes Unlimited program, "one of the largest community-based therapeutic recreation programs for people with disabilities in all of New England," according to Mark Kelly, director of special needs for the Newton Parks & Recreation Department and director of the race since it began.

"This race has been a game-changer for Newton Athletes Unlimited," said Kelly via email. "The race has allowed us to double the programming and athletes severed over the years. We can't thank the O'Hara family [owners of Paddy's Public House at 95 Elm St.], our race sponsors, and the participants ... enough for their generosity and enthusiasm toward our program. Twenty years is truly something to celebrate."

Events include youth field races, a 1k youth and all-abilities race, and the classic 3-mile race, said Kelly. "BlocktoberFest," which includes food, beverages, music, raffle and silent auction items, takes place after the races.

Kelly provided further information on the two-decade-old event.

The O'Hara family opened Paddy's Public House is 2002 in West Newton and carried on the long-standing tradition of hosting a 3-mile road race fundraiser to benefit Newton Athletes Unlimited.

Prior to Paddy's Road Race, the race was called the Troubadour Trot and run out of the Troubadour Restaurant at the same location on Elm Street. The O'Haras used to sell raffle tickets and run the Trot, so they were very familiar with the race and were excited to carry on the West Newton tradition.

Last year, the race was a virtual race due to COVID. The year, the race is back in person on Sunday, Oct. 17 and offers a virtual option as well.

We are seeing enthusiasm for both the in-person and virtual options.

For the 3-mile race, we currently have over 1,000 people registered for the in-person race and over 100 signed up to run it virtually.

Our youth races are very popular with nearly 200 registered for the 1k and all-abilities race and 75 kids in for our youth field races in the park.

If you are running the race or cheering on a loved one, another way to support Newton Athletes Unlimited on race day is through the race raffle and silent auction.

Paddy's Road Race not only promotes life-long fitness and the sport of running to Newton residents, but it is the largest fundraiser for Newton Athletes Unlimited.

The race helps sustain a year's worth of sports and activities that are inclusive, build community, and improve the quality of life of our athletes.

Paddy's Road Race has raised over $850,000 over the past 20 years to support Newton Athletes Unlimited.

The youth races and children's festival kicks off at 9 a.m.; the 1k is at 10:15 a.m.; and the 3-mile race starts at 11:30 a.m. The post-race BlocktoberFest includes food, beverages, music, raffle and silent auction items. Many of the businesses in West Newton Square will be vendors at the event.

To register or for more information, go to https://www.paddysroadrace.com/ or call the Newton Parks & Recreation Department at 617-796-1527.

For more information on Newton Athletes Unlimited, visit https://newtonathletesunlimited.org/

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