“I like to support my school and I do that by running,” says Gracie Wright, eighth grader at J.L. Long Middle School. “It’s good for you and everyone can do it because it’s not very expensive.”
Wright was one of the runners who came out last year, along with over100 others, on an early Saturday morning, in the pouring rain, to give a boost to a neighborhood school. This year, with a change in both the date and time, the organizers of the Long Run hope for better conditions and even more runners.
The Long Run is a 5K run and 1K fun run/walk that benefits J.L. Long Middle School in Lakewood. This is the fourth year of the run, organized by the PTA as the primary fundraiser for the school. Cathy Murphy, who serves as this year’s chairperson, explains that the event differs from traditional fundraising campaigns, such as selling wrapping paper or candy, by bringing in the entire community.
“The basic idea of doing the run instead of selling something is to encourage more school spirit and involvement of the school community,” Murphy explains. “Since students are only at Long for two years, as opposed to seven years at elementary and four at high school, we don’t have the same continuity and long range involvement from families as other schools.”
The Hollywood Heights Santa Monica Neighborhood Association serves as the main sponsor of the race. Murphy sees this as an important tie between the school and the community which surrounds it.
“By supporting its neighborhood school and students, the association is building a relationship that will benefit everyone in the community,” says Murphy. The race is also sponsored by The Advocate.
Although the event is organized primarily by parents, students at J.L. Long have many opportunities to participate in their school’s fundraiser. The students are working on soliciting race entries, with prizes for students who turn in the most entry forms.
“We are trying to encourage more students to enter the race this year,” notes Murphy, whose daughter won the fun run at last year’s event.
Joseph Schuerger, an incoming 7th grader who ran in the run last year, says: “It’s a great fundraiser — since we don’t have to sell wrapping paper, we can spend that time doing other things. It’s a nice opportunity to get together with people and talk, and it is also fun to run and compete.”
Additionally, Murphy is working on getting cheerleaders and band members to cheer on runners as they finish the race. Proceeds from the Long Run are used to fund educational programs, school dances, a teacher appreciation lunch, and various cultural arts programs. According to Murphy, the funds help provide much needed “extras” for the school that aren’t included in the DISD budget, such as a washer/dryer for the athletic department and a portable sound system for the choir department. In the past, the race has generated nearly $8,000. Murphy hopes to increase that number this year.
“Our main goal this year is to get more runners registered,” she says. “We’d like to have between 200 to 300 runners.”
This year, the race will be held on a weeknight, in conjunction with “Spirit Night,” an event hosted by the J.L. Long Dad’s Club. “If the weather cooperates, we hope to have hot dogs, drinks, and entertainment after the race,” says Murphy.
The Long Run will take place on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m. The race will start and finish at the front lawn of Long Middle School, 6116 Reiger. Registration is $10 for children 14& under and $15 for adults. Participants will receive a race T-shirt. Entry forms are available at the Long Middle School office and at the Run On! Located on Mockingbird. For information, contact Cathy Murphy at 214-827-3039.
