Various community agencies have pitched in and runners from as far as Winterville have registered for the 3.1-mile run. There were 51 people who signed up for the nine respective age groups last week.
Exclude the technicalities, such as the timers and medals, and you have a bonding initiative, which is how
“We want it to be a community event,” said Michael White, Jones Middle principal. “Truly that’s what it was set out to be: to get the community and the school involved together. I’m half scared, very excited and very of nervous.”
White started running nearly two years ago and realized there had never been a 5K race in the county. He and administrator Joy Wynne drew up a route more than a year ago, and it’s finally come to life.
White said if the event, hosted by the Jones Middle Parent Teacher Organization, had taken place last year, it would have been too rushed.
On Saturday, the local health department will have information booths set up and the sheriff’s department will man blocked streets for an hour and a half.
Students, teachers and even Jones County Board of Education staff have signed up for the big run,
“I’m looking forward to it and I think it’s a great initiative,” said Jo Stone, local curriculum and instruction coordinator. “This is a way to stay healthy, keep moving, and involve the community.”
Stone, 68, is in favor of working toward preventative health, she said. In addition to her regular biking and yoga, she has joined a treadmill team to prepare for the 5K.
Jones Middle track and field distance runner, Ashley Murphy, said the run will supplement her athletics.
“I’m on the track team, so that helps,” she said about the run. “It can help us get more neighborly, and it will help get money for the school.”
The funds raised will go to the PTO, but school administrators are hoping it can help replace the sign in front of the school.
The event attracted 22 sponsors as of this week, with $200 from New Bern Sporting Goods as the largest donation.
“It’s good to feel the love and the support from people,” White said. “It’s nice to have people working with us, and it is building that sense of community. I’m excited about it.”
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at jessika.morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.
BREAKOUT BOX:
Jones Middle Schools’ Knights Run 1st 5K
n Saturday at 8:30 a.m., starting at
n Check-in and late registration opens at 7 a.m.
n Registration Fee: $20 until Thursday; $25 after April 18 or day of event
n Registration is available through active.com (Keyword: Knights Run)
n For more information, call 252-448-3956