Saturday’s run provides grants to teachers

Net proceeds from the event, run by the town’s chamber of commerce, benefit the Arlington Education Foundation, which provides grants to teachers to fund educational opportunities for students above and beyond what is provided by the school system budgets.

“Teachers can apply for things like a piece of equipment, or specialized software,” said chamber of commerce director Tonia Howell. “There was one instance where a music teacher was able to get guitars so students could use as they were studying stringed instruments.”

The event has grown over the years. In 2015, there were 260 runners, and the chamber presented a record $4,000 check to the foundation.

“The race was first organized by teachers in the system, and it grew to the point where it was more than they could handle, so we stepped in about four years ago,” Howell said. “We’re expecting to top that number this year because we have already pushed beyond last year’s sponsorship total, raising more than $11,000 (led by title sponsor Brian Elder Roofing).”

Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at Arlington Elementary, with the run starting at 8 a.m.

Entry fee is $35 for individuals, $95 for a group of three and $150 for a group of five. Larger discounts are available for groups of 15 or more by contacting Howell.

Runners will receive a T-shirt and a goodie bag with items from chamber members. Medals will be awarded for the top age group finishers.

It is one of the three biggest events the chamber is involved with annually. They help assist the Town of Arlington with its Barbecue Fall Fest and host the Taste of Arlington in the spring.

For more information call 901867-0545, email info@arlingtonchamber.com, or go online to racesonline.com.