The Mattapoisett Mother’s Day tradition has grown steadily each year, with 2016 proving to be the biggest year yet for the annual Mattapoisett Women’s Fund Tiara 5K, a fundraiser road race benefitting the Women’s Fund of New Bedford.
Now in its tenth year, this year’s Tiara 5K had already received 903 registrants – one more than the 902 last year – by the time online registration closed the Friday before the race, said Liz Ackerman, one of the event organizers.
Ackerman is an owner of the Oxford Creamery, which is the beginning point and finish line for the race that winds its way through Mattapoisett village and back again.
“This being the tenth year is so exciting,” said Ackerman. She said this year, not only were there more participants, but there were more additions to the celebration, including goodies, cakes, cupcakes, face painting … all carried out by about 100 local volunteers, ORR students, and volunteers of the Women’s Fund.
“The Women’s Fund is doing a lot with equal pay, women’s education, and living wages,” said Ackerman. “And they help women trying to get a job to sustain their families. And that’s a huge thing.”
Luckily, the forecasted rain held off until later in the day after the event was over.
Taylor Days-Merrill, 22, was first to cross the finish line at 16:57, followed by Selena Scott, 38, who finished first in the women’s division at 20:26.
By Jean Perry
