Andover's Krit Classic on June 4

ANDOVER, MA --Runners and walkers, adults and children, are expected to participate in the 9th Annual Krit Classic 5K on Sunday, June 4, in memory of popular athlete who graduated from Andover High School in 2000.

The popular race is a tribute to Kristin Lee “Krit” Kearins, who died tragically in a bicycling accident in Boston in 2008. She was just 26.

This year, the Krit Classic starts at 9:30 a.m.

Kearins was a standout athlete at AHS and captained both the Swimming & Diving and Gymnastics teams, leading both to state championships.

The Krit Classic honors her memory and supports an annual college scholarship awarded to an AHS senior athlete who exhibits superior sportsmanship and team spirit.

A portion of the proceeds also benefit MassBike, an organization promoting cycling.

This year’s scholarship recipient will be announced on race day.

This is the ninth year for the Krit Classic, which always starts and ends at Andover High School.

Participants will be joined by the Team Hoyt Running Chairs division this year for the first time. Their specialized racing chairs are designed for individuals with disabilities. Hoyt runners will push handicapped kids in the chairs.

Dick Hoyt pushed his son, Rick Hoyt, in over 1,000 races including marathons, triathalons and six Ironman races.

The traditional green balloon release — green was Krit’s favorite color — will close the event while race organizers and participants sing “Over the Rainbow.”

Channel 5 sports director Mike Lynch is the master of ceremonies.