The Argus Group has announced today that it will once again sponsor the annual Crime Stoppers 5K Road Race and Walk. There will also be two junior categories this year for the event, which is organised in association with Swan’s Running Club and will be held on October 19.

The race is held each year to raise awareness for Crime Stoppers Bermuda, a civilian community service that allows anyone to share tips or details of criminal activity through a 24-hour hotline (800-TIPS) and online at www.crimestoppers.bm. Tips can also be relayed securely via a mobile smart phone app, available free to iPhone and Android users. All calls and online communications are confidential and those who contact Crime Stoppers Bermuda are protected from exposure or retribution.

The event begins at 8.30am with the juniors in the 8-11 and 12-15 age groups — they will run half the distance — as well as all 5K walkers. The 5K runners will begin at 9am.

The route is sanctioned and certified by the Bermuda National Athletics Association and starts in front of the Argus Building at 14 Wesley Street, looping through Hamilton to finish in front of the Argus Building.

Race participants can enter the following age categories: Junior (8-11), Junior (12-15), Youth (16-18), Open (19-39), Master (40-49), Senior (50-59), Veterans (60+) and Adult Walker. Trophies will be awarded to first and second-place male and female in each category, and third-place male and female in each category will receive a gift card.

The first 500 registrants will receive a goodie bag with T-shirt. All participants will be eligible to win a $500 travel voucher and the school with the largest number of entrants in the junior category will be awarded $1,000. All runners are encouraged to dress as crime fighters and an award will be given to the best male and female costume.

Entry fee is $15 for juniors and $35 for youth and adults. There is a special $27 rate for Swan’s Running Club members. Registration is available online at www.racedayworld.com until 5pm on October 17. Paper entry forms are also available at the Argus offices during business hours and must be returned to the Argus offices no later than 4.30pm on October 15.

Race numbers are to be picked up at the Argus offices between 10am and noon on October 18. Late registration will also be accepted at this time for an additional $5 per entrant; however there will be no late registration on race day.

Raphael Simons, the chairman of Crime Stoppers Bermuda, said: “We are thankful to Argus for their support of this race and in raising awareness of Crime Stoppers Bermuda. This event is an opportunity for us to educate the community on the role of Crime Stoppers and the importance of community involvement in fighting crime. Even the smallest detail could lead to solving a crime and it is important that anyone who has information feels safe in sharing it. We want everyone in Bermuda to understand that our hotline, website and app provide a confidential way to report a crime at any time.”

Alison Hill, chief executive officer of the Argus Group, says: “Crime Stoppers Bermuda provides a vital service to the public and the Argus Group is very pleased to support this event. Partnering with this charity supports our company’s vision to provide customers with peace of mind. The race and walk is also a fun and meaningful way to exercise, which contributes to better health, a cornerstone of our company’s holistic wellness philosophy.”