PORTSMOUTH — For 16 years, a race through the streets of Common Fence Point has benefited the Portsmouth High School Music Boosters, which raises money for student band trips and other expenses.

This year’s 5 Mile Road Race and 3 Mile Fun Run/Walk, scheduled for Aug. 18, will apparently be the last.

Race director John Santillo said he’s simply no longer able to get the proper return on his investment. Organizing the race is a lot of work, he said, and few participants are showing up these days.

“Last year it went from the usual 160, 170 runners down to under 100. For the amount of work, to just hand (the Music Boosters) a little check, it’s just not worth it,” Mr. Santillo said. “This will be 16 years and my wife and I are tired of doing it. It’s a lot of work.”

Last year, he said, the Music Boosters received about $1,750 from the event. “But in the past, I’ve done close to $6,000,” Mr. Santillo said.

Boosters member Jackie Shearman said it’s become more difficult to attract competitors since so many different races are held these days.

“Sad day for Music Boosters,” she stated in an e-mail. “They received much support from this race.”

Mr. Santillo said the cost of organizing a race increases every year. 

“Now it’s all business; a lot of these race companies are for profit,” he said. “I don’t want to jack up the prices for entry fees, which I already feel are too high.”

Mr. Santillo began organizing the race after his daughter, a former PHS band member, would lament about all the activities the group could not participate in due to a lack of funding.

“I thought I’d start up the race and become a benefactor,” he said.

A member of Rhode Island Road Runners, Mr. Santillo said that organization has discussed the idea of taking over the race and turning it into a 5K only. 

“But we’ve only talked about it at this point,” he said.

Save the date

The race kicks off at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18, outside the Common Fence Point Community Hall on Anthony Road.

Participants may register online at www.CFP5MILER.com. If you register online before Aug. 13, the entry fee is $25. Tech shirts will be given to all pre-registrants. 

After Aug. 13, the entry fee is $30, including the day of the race.

There will be a post-race party with refreshments, cash raffle, a DJ and a selection of merchandise from previous races available for purchase.

Residents can support the event by getting involved as a runner, walker, sponsor, spectator or volunteer.

The Portsmouth High School Music Boosters is a fund-raising organization that supports chorus, band, color guard and drama activities at Portsmouth High School. The money raised assists with trips, scholarships, uniforms and extras not provided by school department funds.