Freedom Middle to host 5k for athletic department
Freedom Middle School will host a Race for the Stars 5k and Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 31, in an effort to raise funds for the school’s athletic department.
FMS science teacher and co-athletic director Jackie Johnson planned the race with other teachers and coaches so that more athletic gear can be purchased for athletes.
“Unlike a lot of schools in the area, we don’t charge our athletes to play, they get to play for free,” Johnson said.
“We do get part of the budget for those programs, but they’re in need of some upgrades and updates for equipment and uniforms that we’d like to buy and not make each athlete fundraise. So, we thought we’d try to do one big fundraiser for our athletics.”
The 5k race will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 31 and is open to all ages. The Fun Run will start an hour later at 8:30 a.m. and is for students in the 6th grade or younger. Every runner who participates will receive a goody bag and a run T-shirt. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female overall finishers as well as age race finishers in groups ranging from 14 to 60 and up.
Runners are also encouraged to wear costumes in which separate prizes will be awarded. Some of the prizes offered include free memberships and free classes at the Franklin Athletic Club, and gift cards for costumes. Age group winners from the 5k will receive a trophy, every fun run participant will be awarded a medal, and top runners from each district school will receive a special trophy as well.
In addition to aiding FMS sports, a portion of the Fun Run registration fee will go toward the physical education program at the Franklin Special School District of the runner’s choice.
“We want to try to get all the schools in the district involved,” Johnson said.
After the race, the FMS baseball team will host a pancake breakfast in the school cafeteria for the runners.
Runners can register online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/freedom-middle-school-race-for-the-stars-5k-and-fun-run-registration-18265941924 or the day of the race at FMS. The 5k registration is $35 and the Fun Run is $15. Donations can also be made to FMS athletics without participating in the run.
