Hazelwood School District PTA Kicks Off 30th Annual Fundraiser

Those driving by on New Halls Ferry on Saturday morning might notice a number of energized people in shorts or sweatpants. They’ll be out for the 30th Annual.

More than 2,000 participants are expected to turn out to run, walk and enjoy the festivities of the day.

The PTA coordinates the event each year to benefit students’ scholarships to college. The group hopes to raise $50,000 this year, which would provide $500 scholarships to 100 students.

The morning events include 5K and 10K distances as well as a one-mile distance. If you’re not interested in watching the entire races, a health fair will be on site with a number of organizations and groups, including Logan College of Chiropractic, Barnes-Jewish Children’s Hospital and the American Red Cross.

One concern of Myra Burris, the district’s PTA Council co-chair, is the weather.

“We’re praying the weather is as beautiful as it has been the past few days,” she said.

The National Weather Service’s forecast shows a 40 percent chance of showers on Saturday before 1 p.m. with temperatures in the 60s.

Rain or shine, though, Burris said the race will go on.

Another concern is not falling short of their goal. Burris said last year the group fell approximately $400 short, and currently has raised $20,000.

One of the big changes for the race, Burris said, is that Fleet Feet will be helping with automated results, which in the past has been conducted manually and subjectively. The benefit, she said, is that race results will be provided quickly instead of racers waiting for hours to find out results.

The HSD Run/Walk event begins at 8 a.m. An award presentation will be conducted around 10:20 a.m.

Burris said on-site registration will be conducted, but racers must arrive 1 hour prior to race time. The schedule is as follows:

• 10K: 8:15 a.m.
• 5K: 8:45 a.m.
• 1-mile: 9 a.m.

For more information, visit the Hazelwood School District’s website