The Run for Liv will return to Westford this month, bringing community members together to honor the life of Olivia “Liv” Marchand and raise money to support survivors of domestic violence.
The annual event will be held Sunday, Sept. 20, at Stony Brook Middle School. The 5K run and walk will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a 3K Family Fun Run at 10:45 a.m. Registration and packet pickup begin at 9:30 a.m.
Hosted by the Live for Liv Foundation, the event raises awareness about domestic violence and provides resources for people affected by abuse.
The foundation was created in memory of Olivia Marchand, a Westford Academy student who was killed in a domestic violence incident in 2010. Her mother, Jody Marchand, founded the organization and has worked to educate others about domestic violence and the warning signs of abusive relationships.
Money raised through Live for Liv events has also been used to directly assist survivors.
At last year’s event, board member Stacey Donovan said the organization had helped survivors and their children leave dangerous situations by providing hotel stays, rent and security deposits, as well as clothing for those leaving abusive homes.
Money raised also supports Marchand’s educational work in schools and at community events, where she discusses warning signs of abuse and resources available to people in dangerous relationships.
This year’s event will look somewhat different from last year’s Run for Liv/Ride for Liv, which drew more than 200 runners, cyclists and families to the 4-H Fairgrounds. The 2026 event will feature a 5K along the Stony Brook cross-country trail and a 3K family run and walk on the Stony Brook trails. Families and pets are welcome to participate in the 3K.
Registration is about $40 for the 5K, with a $15 rate for children ages 2 to ten. The 3K Family Fun Run costs $23.
All proceeds from the event will support survivors of domestic violence. Community members can also support Live for Liv through donations, volunteering and sponsorships.
