Supporting students and teachers is something about which members of the Russellville City Schools Education Foundation are passionate, which is why they are excited about their annual fall fundraising event.

The RCS Education Foundation 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run will take place Oct. 5 on and around the RCS campus. 

Check-in and event-day registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the RHS Auditorium lobby. The 5K race will begin at 8 a.m., and the 1 Mile Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m., with the awards ceremony taking place at 9:15 a.m.

This is the fourth year the Foundation has hosted this event, and Foundation President Lanny Norris said they are hoping this will be their best turnout yet.

“We think this will be a great date for the race and hope to see many people coming out to support our students, teachers and schools through this fundraising event,” Norris said.

Board member Kevin Strickland, who is organizing this year’s event, said some people make the mistake of thinking this fundraiser is only for serious runners, but the Fun Run is a great way for anyone to participate.

“The 1 Mile Fun Run can be run, or it can be walked,” Strickland said. “This is a great opportunity to grab some friends, enjoy a beautiful fall morning and support our students and teachers all at the same time. 

“Anyone that is able can do the Fun Run, so even if you don’t want to participate in a 5K, you can participate in this.”

All funds raised during the event will go toward the Foundation’s main goal of awarding scholarships to RHS seniors and grants to teachers for instructional learning in their classrooms.

“We have had so many students and teachers who have been able to benefit from these scholarships and grants,” Norris said. “Teachers can use the grants they receive from the Foundation for anything instructional that will improve learning for their students, and high school seniors use their scholarships to further their education.

“We don’t think there are many things more important to invest your time or money in than the future of our young people,” Norris added, “and that’s what the Foundation does.”

An additional way for participants to support the school of their choice is the Torch Run Team Competition. Each participant will have the option of choosing which school to support during the race. The school that has the most supporters will win the team competition and receive a trophy and $1,000.

For those who are interested in participating, organizers are strongly encouraging online registration at http://5ktorchrun.itsyourrace.com to cut down on race-day registration times.

Those who register for the 5K race prior to Oct. 1 will pay a $20 race fee. Those who register after Oct. 1 will pay a $25 registration fee. 

RCS students who participate in the 5K will have a $15 registration fee, and all participants of the Fun Run will have a $10 registration fee.

Awards will be given to the top male and female overall finishers; the top male and female masters finishers; and first-, second- and third-place finishers in each age category.

Sponsors for the event are Valley State Bank, Create Architects, Bowen Family Dentistry, Pilgrim’s Pride, and CertainTeed Saint-Gobain.