Howard Center Zoe's Race

Registration is now closed and will reopen during Zoe's Race on Sunday, August 27 at 7:30 am at Oakledge Park. 

Thank you to everyone who is volunteering for Zoe's Race. We do not have any more volunteer opportunities at this time. 

The idea for Zoe’s Race was sparked in 2009 when Erika Nestor began a remodeling project to make her home accessible for her daughter Zoe. Zoe, who is now a teenager, is in a wheelchair as a result of a near-drowning accident when she was 18-months old. During the process, the Nestors were surprised to learn that there were very limited funds available to assist families with remodeling costs related to accessibility. Although they were grateful that they were able to make their home accessible, they worried about other families who may not be as fortunate. In an effort to make a difference, Erika teamed up with Howard Center and Zoe’s Race was born.

Now in its 13th year, Zoe’s Race continues to make a difference. It is through the generous support of the runners/walkers, sponsors, local contractors, tradespeople, and businesses that we can stretch the funds we raise to meet the needs of individuals and families in our community. Each year, depending on the scope of the project, Zoe’s Race completes 2-3 projects. The demand for projects typically exceeds the available funds, leaving three or four families waiting for home accessibility projects annually.

Howard Center’s Zoe’s Race is a 1K fun run, 5K walk/run, and 10K run, designed to raise funds for clients and families served by Howard Center who are in need of making their home accessible. Since 2009, Zoe’s Race has raised over $270,000 and has completed 34 accessibility projects for local families. We would welcome your support as a participant, donor, peer-to-peer fundraiser, or volunteer. You can create a fundraiser for Zoe's Race as an individual or a team. The top fundraiser will receive a prize. 

The 1K is free. 5K and 10K:

$45 from July 6 – August 24$50 race day$25 for Howard Center employees. Use coupon code HCZR2023 and provide the name of your Howard Center program to register. 

Registration includes great food and professional timing. 1K runners ages 12 and younger and race volunteers will receive a free T-shirt. Overall winners in the 5K and 10K (male, female, non-binary) will receive and prize and a medal. 5K and 10K age-group winners and all 1K finishers will receive a medal. Race results by 802Timing. Raffle tickets for great prizes are also offered as an add-on to registration or at the event. Prizes include a signed Boston Bruins jersey, Sugarbush all mountain lift tickets, dinner for four at the Red Mill at Basin Harbor, personal training from Purposeful Strength, and more. Tickets sold at the event are $5 per ticket or $20 for five tickets, cash only. Registration payments are nonrefundable.