Over 700 runners and walkers to participate in the 2024 Sheriff’s Shuffle 5K Road Race, 1.5-mile walk

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Sheriff Nick Cocchi and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office are holding the 2024 Sheriff’s Shuffle 5K Road Race and 1.5-mile walk on Sunday at Ashley Reservoir.

According to the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, this year’s event will attract the largest turnout in the event’s 25-year history as over 700 runners and walkers are expected to support Sheriff Nick Cocchi’s initiative to address the epidemic of domestic violence in Western Massachusetts.

The goal of this event is to raise funds to support victims of domestic violence, and this year’s beneficiary is the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, which helps empower and assist individuals affected by domestic violence.

Elizabeth Dineen, the CEO of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts told 22News that domestic violence is on the rise locally and globally.

“The increase that we are seeing is among teens and men who are victims so there has definitely been an increase among women also but this new phenomenon particularly is teens are coming forward anywhere between 13 and 20 asking for help,” said Dineen.

Registration for the Sheriff’s Shuffle is open until 10 a.m. on race day, with a fee of $40. All registrants will receive a long-sleeve dry-fit Sheriff’s Shuffle shirt for participating. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday inside the Elks Lodge at 250 Whitney Ave in Holyoke where the walk will also commence.

“The Hampden County Sheriffs Office is really excited about partnering with the YWCA once again just to combat this trend that we are seeing. There has been a lot of domestic violence this past year and I think that we have all seen that anybody can be a victim of domestic violence,” said Davis Snow, the event coordinator.

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