Fun run organized to benefit Tustumena El

While sending children out into the community to sell candy bars or magazine subscriptions may be some people's idea of a good fundraiser, the Tustumena Elementary School's Parent Teacher Organization has decided to do something a little more lively this weekend. They will be holding a 5-kilometer walk or run on Sunday to make money for the school.

"Kids can go door-to-door selling things, but that's not real active. We wanted a fundraiser geared toward getting the kids a little more fit, while spending time outdoors and away from video games and the TV," said Carolyn Roush, a Tustumena Elementary PTO member and an organizer for Sunday's event.

While the event was designed with the young in mind, it is not exclusively for children.

"Anyone, young or old, that is interested in a fun run can participate. We're hoping to have students and parents, and Kasilof residents, but high school cross country and track and field runners can come, and anyone else interested," Roush said.

The course for the run was designed with the aesthetics of the season in mind. While it starts and ends at Tustumena Elementary, a large portion of the race course goes through the scenic Johnson Lake State Recreation Area, and one small section cuts through the woods to take in the fall foliage.

"It's a pretty little jaunt," Roush said.

As to the reason organizers decided to hold their event now, they said it was due to the lack of outdoor activities at this time of year.

"In spring and summer there are lots of races to participate in, but in fall people start to slide back into the couch, so we thought this would be a good time for people to walk, run and have a good time outdoors," Roush said.

Money raised from the event will be put into the Tustumena Elementary PTO general fund, which is utilized for things such as purchasing school supplies for needy children, and assisting with students whose families have lost their home in a fire or suffered from other tragedies, to name just a few.

"It goes toward things needed throughout the year, so hopefully we'll generate enough revenue to do that," Roush said.

T-shirts have been made and will be available for $10 per person to generate revenue and mark the occasion.

"They're nice looking shirts. They're navy blue with gold wording for the date and location. There is also a cartoon lynx the school mascot on them," Roush said.

Registration for the event begins at noon on Sunday, followed by the race start at 1 p.m., rain or shine. The cost to enter is $5 for students, and $10 for everyone else. Sponsors are also available for students who want to participate, but lack the financial means to cover the entry fee.

"Those interested in sponsorship should call before race day," Roush said.

For more information, call 262-4844 or 262-1894.

Joseph Robertia can be reached at joseph.robertia@peninsulaclarion.com.