On Your Marks, Get Set, Go Save Student Activities

Community members are once again putting their money where their feet are to help raise funds for sports and music programs in the New Haven Unified School District.

Extra and co-curricular activities are just one of many vital programs in jeopardy as the district faces nearly $11 million in cuts for the upcoming school year.

That’s why the New Haven Boosters Association is hosting the third-annual — a 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer fun run for all ages — next Sunday, May 6. The event will also feature shorter runs and relays for younger children.

Registration costs are:

• $10.00 for students in grades K-8
• $15.00 for high school Runners
• $25.00 for general pre-registration 5K & 10K runners
• $40.00 for 4x400m kids relay teams

Registration begins at 8 a.m. the morning of the event, with races starting at 9 a.m.

Online and pre-registration closes Friday, May 4, though participants can also register the morning of the event for an additional $5.

The race is not associated with and funds will go directly to coach and advisor stipends at each school campus, said event chair Eileen Riener.

The event generated about $10,000 last year and Riener hopes to raise the same amount, if not more, next weekend.

from throughout Union City and neighboring communities, Riener said. She expects more than 400 this year.

Similar to previous years, the course will begin at the Cesar Chavez Middle School track and continue along the Alameda Creek Regional Trail, with turnaround points for 5K and then 10K runners. Children will compete in 400-meter, 800-meter runs around the middle school track, Riener said.

New this year is the addition of a professional timing system for greater accuracy, according to Riener.

“That should be enticing for the more serious runners. They’re very much into their timing and how well they do,” she said.

Reirner is encouraging everyone to come out and participate in next weekend’s race.

“It’s just a really nice community event. It’s a good chance to connect you’re your neighbors, friends, classmates and teachers,” Riener said. “It’s a beautiful day to do something nice and healthy that raises money for a good cause.”

The Third-Annual Race to Save Student Activities will be held Sunday, May 6 starting at 8 a.m. Register online today.