The 13^th Annual Step Up for Colleen 5K, in memory of beloved teacher Colleen Ritzer, will be held on Sunday, May 3rd in Andover’s Central Park.

Todd Angilly, who sings at each Boston Bruins home game, will sing the national anthem from the park’s gazebo during the 8:45 a.m. opening ceremony. The 5K walk/run begins at 9:00.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund, which fosters a society of compassion with kindness as a motivating influence in all its endeavors. Renowned for her kindness, zeal for life, teaching, and love of family, the organization emulates Colleen’s compassion through scholarships, grants and other programs with kindness and education at their core. 

Each year, the Step Up for Colleen draws walkers and runners of all ages to the USA Track & Field certified course. Most wear pink, which was Colleen’s favorite color.

“Every May, seeing our community come together in Colleen’s honor is both humbling and uplifting,” said the Ritzer family. “The energy, love, and shared commitment to kindness remind us that Colleen’s spirit continues to impact our community in so many powerful ways. We are deeply grateful to every participant, volunteer, and supporter who keeps her legacy alive by choosing compassion and positivity each day.”

This year’s event emcees will be Magic 106.7 radio personalities Sue Tabb and Kendra Petrone. The post-race festivities will feature music, refreshments including the Dylan & Pete’s Ice Cream Truck, Boston sports mascots, a balloon artist, face-painting, a magician, and much more. An awards ceremony will be held at 10:30.

Online registration is available at colleenritzer.org. The first 3,000 people to register are guaranteed an official 2026 race shirt, and everyone on each team of 10 or more people will receive a special gift. Virtual registration is available to those who cannot attend in person. Corporate sponsorships are also available.

Since its inception in 2014, $677,000 in scholarships have been awarded to 128 future teachers and leaders, some of whom have already begun their teaching careers and are pursuing master’s degrees.

About Colleen Ritzer

Colleen Ritzer, a lifelong resident of Andover, passed away on October 22, 2013. She was a 2007 graduate of Andover High School and a 2011 graduate of Assumption College. Colleen was a math teacher at Danvers High School and was pursuing a graduate degree at Salem State College. She adored spending time with her family and friends, and was an amazing daughter and big sister to her brother and sister, Daniel and Laura. She made a lasting impression on everyone she met. From a young age, Colleen knew she wanted to be a teacher and worked diligently to achieve her goal. Even though teaching was her profession, it was also one of her favorite hobbies and her passion. She spent countless hours finding unique and creative ways to inspire and teach her students.

Want to get outside, get healthier, and have some fun? Merrimack Valley Striders is offering a free Couch to 5K training program that begins on March 7th and runs for 8 weeks leading up to the May 3rd Step Up for Colleen! This program is available to MVS members and non-members. Training is suitable for the walker, the runner with some experience or who has not run in some time, and the experienced runner. The sessions are coached by MVS members and will take place in Andover on our race course. Visit mvsruns.com to learn more and to register!

Andover Firefighters Local 1658 are once again honoring Colleen’s life and legacy by donating the proceeds of their t-shirt sales to the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund. In addition to raising funds through t-shirt sales, the firefighters continue to join the community each year at the Step Up for Colleen. We are so humbled to have the support of the local community, especially the Andover Firefighters!

We invite you to learn more and support Andover Firefighters Local 1658’s efforts by visiting their page.

Join Andover firefighters and thousands of other community members as we honor Colleen on Sunday, May 4th at the 12th Annual Step Up for Colleen 5K. Click here to register today!