Eastern Elementary School has a new fall fundraiser that is sure to get families up and moving.
The inaugural EES Pumpkin Run/Walk 5K is slated for Saturday morning at 9 a.m. Registration will be this evening, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Eastern Elementary and Saturday morning before the race, between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
The 5K was planned by the school’s PTA.
“It’s just a fun run/walk,” said Amy Thomas, a member of the PTA.
While times will be taken, the event is not an official chip race and large monetary prizes are not up grabs. Thomas said the goals of the race were simpler than all of that.
“We really just wanted the community to be involved,” she said. “It’s something fun the family could do together that’s not stressful and not expensive.”
Registration is $10 for adults. Children under 17 race for free but need adult supervision to participate. T-shirts will also be on sale for $5. All proceeds will be donated to Eastern Elementary to pay for programs like Terrific Kids and rewards for perfect attendance. Funds also cover school supplies for the classrooms.
The race will begin at the North Carolina Estuarium in Festival Park.
The race was also a good fit for new initiatives at the school that involve healthy eating and healthy activity.
“It’s kind of like we say at the gym,” Thomas said. “Just come walk, skip, whatever. If it takes you an hour it takes you an hour. At least it’s made you get out.”