BRUNSWICK — Registration is open for the 7th Annual Androscoggin Bank Run for Independence. The Sat. May 18 event includes professionally timed, certified 5K, 10K and 1 mile courses, plus a kids fun run. All funds raised benefit the health and wellness initiatives of Independence Association, supporting kids and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

“In the 21st century, people with these disabilities are living as much as three decades longer than they did when Independence Association was founded,” Independence Association Executive Director Ray Nagel said in a press release. “We want to be sure their longer lives are also healthy, enjoyable lives.” 

Funds raised in this year’s Androscoggin Bank Run for Independence will support fitness and recreational facilities at the agency’s Brunswick Industrial Park building, opening later this year. These are planned to include an indoor fitness centerand gear for outdoor fitness and recreation. 

Independence Association has begun replacing its two-story residential stock with single-level, accessible homes, Nagel notes. Later this year, it will consolidate several program and administrative operations in a single, fully accessible building with fitness facilities and a training kitchen on Industrial Parkway in Brunswick. 

Androscoggin Bank has been presenting sponsor of the event for six years, and typically fields a large team of runners. 

Register at: firstgiving.com/event/64009/Run-for-Independence