This story appeared in 'The Summit' - A weekly section for Easthampton, Southampton and Westhampton

More than 200 people are expected to participate in a 5K-walk/run race on Saturday, May 1 that will have special meaning for the city. The Derrill Stoddard Race will honor the late Easthampton detective. It will also be the first formal event on the city's Manhan Rail Trail, which opens officially June 19. The race is being co-sponsored by the Police Department and Shelley Wilton of Wellness Within Chiropractic.

The race is open to all age groups. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care at the New England Medical Center in Boston, which offers housing and support services for families of patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Stoddard died in February at age 53 after a battle with leukemia. He had retired from the city's police force the previous October after 30 years of service.

Wilton, who had treated Stoddard at her health center, said he is remembered by the Easthampton community not only as an outstanding and committed police officer, but someone whose integrity and dedication shone through his professional and personal accomplishments.

Stoddard was a leader in developing the Police Department's first drug unit. He also helped to form the bike patrol, now an integral part of the force.

Wilton said that beside honoring Stoddard, the race serves to bring together residents and celebrate the sense of kinship that can be found in the city. She emphasized that all the preparations and funding have been a result of the efforts of volunteers and the support of local businesses.

The race begins 10 a.m. at the Public Safety Complex on Payson Avenue and ends at the Wellness Within Chiropractic office, located at 4 Liberty St.

The event will be the first hosted on the newly finished Manhan Rail Trail, a scenic paved cycling and recreation trail winding through the city.

Melissa Boyle, a race committee member, noted that the Manhan Rail Trail, a symbol of the city's ever-increasing vitality, embodies the spirit of the race and thus is an appropriate venue.

At the race's finish, there will be music, games for children and refreshments under tents set up outside of the Wellness Within Chiropractic office. Prizes will be awarded at a ceremony.

For registration or information about the race, call 527-2529