The Holder family is gearing up for the second annual Charlie Holder, Sr. Memorial 5K race on May 17, 2025, in Middletown.
BRS Building Company is presenting the event, which aims to raise $20,000 for the Newport County YMCA and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.
The first race in 2024 brought in $17,246, split evenly ($8,623) between the two organizations. This amount matched the date Charlie Holder Sr. passed away: August 6, 2023.
“We knew we wanted to do something special in the community after Charlie, Sr. passed,” said Elaine Holder. “Our whole family made the race happen: my children, grandchildren, nieces, cousins. It was really a labor of love and we can’t wait to do it again this year.”
“I know my dad would be so proud of this race,” said Charlie Holder, Jr. “It’s a real community event and we’re happy to again support two great local organizations: the Y and the MLK. We’ve set a big goal this year: we want to raise $10,000 for each organization. So many sponsors made last year’s race a reality and we look forward to them joining presenting sponsor BRS Building Company again this May. It was incredible to see hundreds of people at the starting line and we know this year is going to be even better.”
The 3.1-mile course starts and finishes at the Newport County YMCA, looping around Tuckerman Ave. and Easton’s Point. Early bird registration is $33 until April 1.
New for 2025 is a 100-yard Fun Sprint for kids 12 and under before the main event. Mike Miller, Executive Director of the Newport County YMCA, says, “We’re thrilled to host the race again and add a sprint for kids before the main event.”
The event includes a competitive 5K race, a non-competitive 5K fun walk, and a virtual option. The top three male and female finishers will receive prizes.
Heather Hole Strout, Executive Director of the MLK Center, shares, “We’re grateful to the Holder Family for creating this community event. The donation will help us offer scholarships to hardworking families so more kids can learn and grow in our all-day Preschool.”
Brian Stout, owner of presenting sponsor BRS Building Company, says, “As a local company, sponsoring a community event for a family like the Holders just makes sense for us.”
The organizers are encouraging community involvement through sponsorships, registrations, and volunteering. For more information, visit the race website.
