RUSSELLVILLE - The Russellville City Schools Education Foundation is calling all runners to participate in the inaugural 5K Torch Run that will help the Foundation raise money for teacher and student scholarships.
The run is scheduled for this Saturday, October 15, with check-in and registration starting at 7:30 a.m. in the RHS Auditorium lobby and the 5K starting at 8 a.m. There will also be a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk starting at 9 a.m., and the awards ceremony will be at 9:15 a.m.
Awards will be given to the top male and female overall finishers, top male and female masters finishers, and first-, second- and third-place finishers in each of the following age categories:0-9 years, 10-14 years, 15-19 years, 20-24 years, 25-29 years, 30-34 years, 35-39 years, 40-44 years, 45-49 years, 50-54 years, 55-59 years, 60-64 years, 65-69 years and 70-plus years.
RCS Education Foundation president Natalie Bendall said the group, a non-profit that functions separately from the school system, has always hosted a spring banquet fundraiser that has helped them raise funds to give out grants to RCS teachers for technology and classroom improvements and to enhance learning. The funds have also helped provide $10,000 in student scholarships since the non-profit was established in 2012.
Bendall said they have discussed the possibility of having a fall fundraiser for several years and, after brainstorming several ideas, decided to go with a 5K race.
“We believed the 5K Torch Run would be a great fundraiser for this time of year with the cooler fall weather,” she said. “And by having a 5K and a 1 Mile Fun Run, the event will be a great activity that all ages can participate in, so the whole family can get involved.”
Bendall said each person who supports this event will not only help themselves by getting great exercise, but they will also be helping the students of Russellville City Schools.
“Your entry fee may help send a student to college, buy a robot to help students learn to code, or reward a student for being a PAWsome Achiever,” Bendall said. “The Foundation prides itself in funding educational grants and scholarships each year. We would love to have everyone’s support in making the greatest impact possible.”
Pre-registration rates are $25 for the 5K ($15 for an RCS student), and $10 for the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. Deadline for pre-registration rates and to receive a T-shirt is October 3. After October 3, rates will be $30 for the 5K. All other rates remain the same. Participants can register online at http://5kTorchRun.itsyourrace.com, or make checks payable to the RCS Education Foundation and mail to P.O Box 821, Russellville, AL 35653.
Upon registration, participants will also choose which school (West Elementary, Russellville Elementary, Russellville Middle School or Russellville High School) they will be running for in the Torch Run Team Competition. The school with the most participants will receive a trophy to display in their school and $1,000.
