If you're looking for a different way to kick off this year's A-Day activities, the Junior League of Lee County's sixth annual 5K Walk & Run will be held the morning of April 14 at Town Creek Park.
Registration is $20 and T-shirts are available for an extra $10. Children 10 and younger can run for free. Participants do not have to be a member of the Junior League.
"We would love to have people from all over come and support this great event," said Andrea Mitchell, co-chair for the race.
On-site registration starts at 8 a.m. the day of the race, and the timed 5K and mile-and-a-half walk begin at 9 a.m.
Pre-registration can be completed by visiting active.com, emailing the JLLC or by completing and submitting the registration form in the brochure available on the group's website, juniorleagueofleecounty.com.
Also, Big Dog Running Company in Auburn is offering $5 off the registration fee.
The proceeds will benefit arts and literacy programs in Lee County, Mitchell said.
"Funds from the event are funneled back into the Lee County community via organizations such as the Child Advocacy Center of East Alabama, East Alabama Community Ballet, Foundation for Auburn's Continuing Enrichment in Schools, Northside Intermediate School, the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Auburn City Schools' Carmen Agra Deedy visit," Mitchell said.
According to the group's website, last year's race raised $13,151.
Along with the walk and run, the event will feature other activities provided by local Auburn businesses.
"We will have Spacewalk of Auburn, Chick-fil-A in TigerTown, Kona Ice and the City of Auburn Adventures in Art there to help with the day of activities," Mitchell said.
President of JLLC, Tara Jones said the different options for participating make it a fun event for everyone.
"Because we have a 5K walk and run option available, this event is great for families, students and anyone in the community," Jones said.
The activities, as well as the 5K Walk & Run, are drawing participants to register.
"5Ks are a great distance to run," said Patricia Ramirez, junior in psychology. "And I like how they always have other fun activities during and after."
The idea for the 5K Walk& Run was started six years ago by the JLLC's "Leaguer in Training" class. Challenged with brainstorming fun, family-oriented fundraisers, the class decided on a race.
"The LIT class thought of combining our focus of arts and literacy into a family activity of the 1.5-mile walk and a 5K walk (or) run," Mitchell said. "The Lee County area is growing and 5Ks are becoming really popular, so we thought it was a great fit for us."
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. There are four different levels of sponsorships from $150 to $750.
"We appreciate the continued support from the community as we volunteer to make a difference in the lives of children in Lee County," Jones said.
For more information on the event or the Junior League of Lee County, visit juniorleagueofleecounty.com or email jllcart@gmail.com.
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