By Heather Lusk
School won’t quite be out for this year’s Schools Out 5K May 24, but the race’s goal is still to celebrate the end of the school year and support Relay for Life.
This is the second year of the family focused event. Last year, 250 people participated, raising $14,000 for the American Cancer Society when it was held on the last day of classes for Zionsville Community Schools. This year, a snow day necessitated adding a day to the school year, but the event is still near the end of school.
“We are definitely celebrating another successful year,” said Deb Torrence, Stonegate Elementary School’s wellness teacher.
Torrence participated last year and is trying to organize a team of staff members and encourage students to participate.
“My mission for the last several years has been running for children battling childhood cancer,” Torrence said. “The whole mission of School’s Out fits with everything that I’m trying to do and aspire to do.”
This year, organizers want to register 300 people and will continue many of the last year’s activities like prizes for the top four male and female runners and pizza and popsicles for purchase. Luminaries are available for purchase to decorate and line the walkway in memory or honor those impacted by cancer.
“It’s just a fun, uplifting event,” Torrence said. “It encourages people of all ages and all abilities.”
The 5K run winds through portions of the Cobblestone Lakes subdivision and the Zionsville Rail Trail. A 1-mile walk around Mulberry Fields is a shorter option. Registration is available for individuals or families of more than two people.
Registration is available at schoolsout5k.com.
