After an absence of more than 30 years, the one-mile race/walk down Havre’s Fifth Avenue immediately preceding the Festival Days Parade has been revived. The race will begin at 9:50 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, near Spud’s Grub Hut and finish near the vacant lot adjacent to the Havre Fire Department.

CASA of Hill County, a non-profit organization of court-appointed special advocates, also known as guardians ad litem, is reprising the 5th Avenue MADD Dash Mile under its own auspices.

The purpose of the CASA 5th Avenue Mile race, jog, walk, stroll is four-fold. It’s:

* A fund-raiser to supplement costs of operating the volunteer organization,

* An opportunity to raise awareness about CASA,

* And to recruit CASA volunteers,

* And as an introduction to a year of training for area residents wishing to take part in next spring’s Bear Paw Marathon runs.

Organizers said the enthusiasm created by Rachel Dean’s announcement that Havre would host the inaugural marathon on June 6, 2020, was the impetus to re-establish the parade-day race. The marathon weekend, which includes a wide variety of activities along with the marathon, half-marathon and 5K runs, is a Havre-Area Chamber of Commerce event.

The CASA 5th Avenue Mile will provide area runners the unique opportunity of racing a linear mile rather than four laps around a track. With spectators already lining the parade route, runners also can expect unprecedented inch-by-inch fan support.

The cost to participate in the fundraiser is $15 for adults and $10 for children 17 and under. Those who register on or before Sept. 10 are guaranteed a t-shirt on race day. Late registrants will receive their shirts at a later date.

Registration forms are available in the HRDC lobby not far from the CASA office, Havre-Area Chamber of Commerce, Spud’s Grub Hut and CASA of Hill County’s Facebook page.

Same day registration will begin at 8 a.m. at the Grub Hut and conclude about 10 minutes before the start of the race.

Competitive runners and most other entrants will be timed and given certificates of completion in gratitude for participating and supporting the work of area CASA volunteers.

The first overall male and female winners of the competitive mile will receive trophies, and boys and girls age group winners will receive medals.

A variety of door prizes also will be awarded after the run, along with water and fruit.

Maps of next spring’s marathon and half-marathon courses will be on display at the registration table at Spud’s Grub Hut and at the finish line table adjacent to the Havre Fire Department.

Sponsors for the competitive mile race and walk are the Havre-area Tourism Business Improvement District, Crook and Marker, Duchscher-Kapperud Insurance, Stockman Bank and Tilleman Motor Co.

People are invited to visit the CASA of Hill County Facebook page regularly for event updates and more information on Court Appointed Special Advocates.