The Russellville City Schools Education Foundation is calling all runners to participate in the inaugural 5K Torch Run that will help the Foundation raise money for teacher and student scholarships.

The run is scheduled for Oct. 15 with check-in and registration starting at 7:30 a.m. at the RHS Auditorium Lobby and the 5K starting at 8 a.m. There will also be a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk starting at 9 a.m., and the awards ceremony will be at 9:15 a.m.

Awards will be given to the top male and female overall finishers, top male and female masters finishers, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each of the following age categories: Ages 0-9 years, 10-14 years, 15-19 years, 20-24 years, 25-29 years, 30-34 years, 35-39 years, 40-44 years, 45-49 years, 50-54 years, 55-59 years, 60-64 years, 65-69 years and 70+ years.

RCS Education Foundation President Natalie Bendall said the group, a nonprofit that functions separately from the school system, is hosting the race to raise funds that can be used to distribute grants to RCS teachers for technology and classroom improvements and to enhance learning. The group also provides student scholarships and has helped provide $10,000 in student scholarships since the non-profit was established in 2012.

Bendall said each person who supports this event will not only help themselves by getting great exercise, but they will also be helping the students of Russellville City Schools.

“Your entry fee may help send a student to college, buy a robot to help students learn to code or reward a student for being a PAWsome Achiever,” Bendall said. “The Foundation prides itself in funding educational grants and scholarships each year. We would love to have everyone’s support in making the greatest impact possible.”

Entry fees are $30 for the 5K ($15 for an RCS student), and $10 for the 1-Mile Fun Run. Participants can register online at http://5kTorchRun.itsyourrace.com or register the day of the race.

Upon registration, participants will also choose which school (West Elementary, Russellville Elementary, Russellville Middle School or Russellville High School) they will be running for in the Torch Run Team Competition. The school with the most participants will receive a trophy to display in their school and $1,000.

RCS Superintendent Heath Grimes said he hopes to see a big turnout for this event.

“This is such a great way to support our students, teachers and schools,” Grimes said. “You don’t have to be a serious runner to be part of this event either. You can run the 5K, walk the 5K or be part of the 1-Mile Fun Run. There’s something for everyone, so the whole family can come out and participate.”