Anita Girvin, who is organizing the first 5K hosted by the Salisbury Elementary PTC (Parent Teacher Committee) with race director Lis Martin, is hoping the run will raise funds to provide students with activities they have not been able to experience since the onset of COVID-19 restrictions. "Part of the goal of this race is to bring things back to the kids," she said, pointing out that the students have not been able to engage in field trips and assemblies since 2020. "We want to give (learners) some of those things they had in the past that we haven't (done) for so long."

The Salisbury Elementary PTC 5K Run and 1 Mile Kids Run will be held at Salisbury Elementary School, 422 School Lane Road, Gap, on Saturday, April 23. The 5K will begin at 9 a.m., and the Kids Run will begin at approximately 10 a.m. Registration and packet pickup on the day of the event will begin at 7:45 a.m.

According to organizers, the course will journey through farmland, crossing gently rolling hills on lightly traveled roads. Girvin noted that runners will turn left out of the school parking lot and then travel on Cain's Road, Route 897, and Buena Vista Road before returning to the school. "Our team includes (runners) who have done 5Ks and (helped) lay out the course," said Martin. The Kids Run course will take children out a half-mile and then they will turn back to the school.

Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female runners in seven age groups. All Kids Run participants will receive medals.

Organizers are seeking gold and silver sponsors for the event. Sponsorship packages include logos on race T-shirts and yard signs. Current sponsors include David Auto, Capitol Heating and Air, The Corner Coffee Shop, and Kauffman Kitchens. Donations of gift cards and themed baskets are also sought for prizes and giveaways. "Each classroom is assigned a theme, and classrooms will each provide baskets," said Girvin.

Martin said she was inspired to direct the 5K after signing up for one that was held by a local Christian school. "I looked at the information, and I thought, 'We could do this,'" said Martin, who began working on the project with the PTC and Salisbury staff members in the fall of 2021. Funds raised by the race will help to support field trips, purchase outdoor learning classroom upgrades and additions, and provide teacher grants. Girvin noted that she would especially like to generate funds to help cover student assemblies.

The 5K is being timed by Pretzel City Sports, and readers may register at http://www.pretzelcitysports.com/online-registration. Individuals who register by Friday, April 1, will receive a discount and a T-shirt. Later registrations will include a swag bag.