It’s time to put on those running shoes again and start getting in shape for the Sixth Annual Long Run. The 5K run and 1K Fun Run/Walk benefiting J.L. Long Middle School is Thursday, Oct. 17, with festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m.
With twins in the seventh grade at Long and a freshman, junior and senior at Woodrow Wilson High School, the Long PTA president and chairperson of the run Susan Schuerger has been working with the project from its inception. She says participation has gone from 37 runners to more than 200.
“If we can continue to grow, we can really help the school,” Schuerger says.
Last year the Long Run raised approximately $10,000, with funds helping in part to buy items on teachers’ wish lists and other projects. This year, goals include raising enough money for new auditorium equipment and some campus beautification projects.
The Long Run started when a former PTA president was inspired to find new ways to fundraise. Its route originally went through Lakewood and was included in the Lakewood home tour festivities. In its fourth year, organizers decided to change the route, starting the run at Long and going through the Hollywood Heights/Santa Monica neighborhood.
Schuerger suggests that the 5K is a good way to begin training for the White Rock Marathon, and it’s open to all. “I would encourage runners who aren’t associated with the school to come too, because it is a good run, and it has hills to make it a little harder.”
The Friends of Long, a group of fathers, will serve free hot dogs to those who ran. There will also be sundaes and a raffle. Past raffle prizes have included gift certificates, a bicycle and a Razor scooter.
Early registration is $10 for students and $15 for adults at the school or at Run On!, 5400 E. Mockingbird. You can also register at Run On!’s web site, www.runondallas.com. Registration at the race is $15 for students and $20 for adults.
