One of the shoreline's most anticipated and competitive 5K races returns to Clinton on Saturday, Aug. 17 when the Clinton Chamber of Commerce and Shoreline Community Women, Inc., host the 16th annual Liberty Bank Bluefish 5K Road Race.

"The race is supported by local businesses, and area runners have come to view the race as a fun-filled and healthy family activity," said Chamber Director Ellen Cavanagh. "Our race is somewhat different than many in that all the folks who manage it and work at it are volunteers. There is no middleman or race sports organization involved, so that concept enables the entry fee to remain very competitive."

Pre-registration is $17; after Friday, Aug. 16 registration is $20. Registration forms are available online at clintonct.com/road race, from participating sponsors, or at the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, 50 East Main Street, Clinton, CT 06413. Course map, sponsors, directions and other information is available at www.clintonct.com In addition, online registration is available at www.active.com.

"The road race is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Shoreline Community Women and funds all of its ongoing projects," said Shoreline Community Women's Judy Moore.

Shoreline Community Women projects include care packages to the soldiers, scholarships to shoreline seniors, helping families in need, and supporting Homes for the Brave, a shelter for homeless female veterans.

While the course of the Bluefish 5K is scenic and safe (the Clinton Police Department will have the routes closed to traffic during the race), attracting more than 400 racers each year requires more than the promise of a fast run.

"Our goal is simple: We want everyone who runs or walks the race to be glad they came to spend Saturday morning with us," Cavanagh said. "Several things runners can count on: Great food, plenty of water and water stations, mile markers, DJ and music, pre- and post race massage for runners, medals, and a few intentional set-ups of friendly but competitive rivalry."

The 5K (3.1-mile) race course begins and ends at the Jared Eliot Middle School, 69 Fairy Dell Road in Clinton. Start time is 9 a.m., with race day registrations beginning at 7 a.m. The course is USATF certified number CT00005DR. Mile markers will be measured as such from the course certification. Electronic chip timing is managed by Platt Systems.

Free parking is available at The Joel School and Peters Complex on Glenwood Road, less than one mile from the Eliot School race site. Free shuttle buses will run continuously from 7 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. when registration closes. Buses will run again following the race.

In addition to title sponsor Liberty Bank, sponsors include: A Limo Company, LLC; Harbor News; Chelle Designs, LLC; Chips' Pub III; Clinton Glass; Clinton Plumbing & Heating; Coastal Chiropractic and Wellness; Coastline Construction; Cohen's Bagel Company; Connecticut Water Company; DLS Insurance; Enterprise Computer; First Investors Corp; Gulick & Spradlin; hibu; The Lee Company; Lemley Electric; MacKinstry Financial & Investments, LLC; Marcum, LLP; Mohegan Sun Casino; New England Alliance Mortgage; New England Road, Inc.; Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers; Preferred Foam Products; Rocky's Aqua; Schumack Engineered Construction; Senior Insurance Services; Signs of Our Times; Snap Fitness of Clinton; Technique Printers; and The UPS Store.

Race ceremonies and refreshments begin at the conclusion of the race. For more information, contact the race coordinator at the Clinton Chamber of Commerce 860-669-3889.