Silver Heist 5K
Lace up for the Silver Heist 5K, where you’ll “Race Through History, Dash for Silver!” This unique event pays homage to Orwell’s real-life bank robberies from the horse-and-buggy era. In October 1862, bandits stole $30 in silver from the Orwell Bank. Nearly forty years later in the early 1900s, another group of thieves stole money, and Mrs. Myrtie P. Brooks' ring, from the bank. After their heist, the bandits spent the night on a hill in town. Their camp was later discovered, and in their haste to flee, they left behind the stolen ring.
To honor this local history, each runner will start with a wooden token, designed to resemble Mrs. Myrtie P. Brooks' ring. The race will begin with the blast of a conch shell, a tribute to Eber Murray, one of the first settlers of Orwell. Eber, who lived in Orwell from 1783 until his death in 1821, was the only man in town with a clock. Each night, he would blow his conch shell at 9 p.m. to signal the time for evening prayers.
At the halfway point, runners will drop off their ring at the bandits camp. Runners will then dash down scenic North Orwell Road, finishing strong at the town green, greeted by cheers from friends, family, and local history enthusiasts. The winner will claim $30 worth of silver—the very same amount stolen in the original heist!
Whether you're a seasoned runner or prefer to walk, the Silver Heist 5K welcomes participants of all paces! Walkers are encouraged to join the fun and enjoy a stroll through history
Thanks to the generosity of Stewart’s Shops, every participant will also enjoy a free scoop of ice cream or sherbet at the finish line—just show your race bib or medal for this sweet treat! All in-person participants will receive a custom Silver Heist 5K T-shirt and a finisher's medal as part of their registration. Don't miss out on these exclusive race-day keepsakes!
Little Bandits Bolt
For the youngest racers, the Little Bandits Bolt offers a pint-sized thrill! Kids will complete a supervised loop around Orwell Town Hall sharing in the spirit of the Silver Heist as they race their way into local history.
All in-person participants will receive a custom Silver Heist 5K T-shirt and a finisher's medal as part of their registration. And yes, kids will also get to celebrate their race with a free scoop of Stewart’s Shops ice cream or sherbet—because every bandit deserves a reward!
