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Runners in the 2017b Run for Cash race head up Old Orchard Street in Old Orchard Beach. SUBMITTED PHOTO/Courtesy of Gary Curtis
OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The 14th annual Run for Cash 5K race and three mile walk will be held this Saturday, benefiting Maine veterans and local students.
The race and walk is held in honor Captain Christopher Cash, Sr., who died June 24, 2004 in Iraq while serving in the National Guard.
Cash was a 1985 graduate of Old Orchard Beach High School, where he excelled in academics and athletics.
The Run for Cash event raises money for Veterans Count Maine, the fundraising chapter in support of Easterseals Maine’s military and veterans programs. Veterans Count Maine provides emergency financial assistance, information, counseling and referral services to post 9/11 veterans and their families.
The event also raises money for a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating Old Orchard Beach High School senior.
The annual race and walk began in 2005 by Cash’s mother and stepfather, Nancy and Bob Kelley. The Kelley family organized the race through 2017.
Veterans Count has adopted the race, continuing to keep Cash’s memory alive.
The 5K race will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Old Orchard Beach High School, 40 E. Emerson Cummings Boulevard. The walk will begin five minutes later. A Kids Fun Run will begin at 7:30.
Participants are welcome to bring pets and strollers. Pets are not allowed in the gymnasium for the awards ceremony and breakfast, however.
Registration for the race or walk cost $15 students 18 or younger, and $25 for all others.  The Kids Fun Run is free for children 10 and younger, and parents of participants must be registered runners.
To register for the event, go to runforcash.org.

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