Clinton 5K to once again benefit local schools
Last year’s 5K run followed River Bend Drive, but with construction going on on the new bridge over the Clinch River, the 2018 race will be held at Jaycee Park in Clinton.
The race will take place at Jaycee Park in Clinton at 9 a.m. on Oct. 20.
The race benefits Anderson County schools, according to organizer Todd Temple. For the last two years, the proceeds have gone toward health and wellness grants for various schools.
Teachers and instructors can apply for the grants as long as their projects encourage physical activity, nutrition, or programs that help students stop smoking.
Last year, more than $6,500 was raised, and Temple believes they will raise even more this year.
“The teachers get to make requests and we try our best to fulfill them,” Temple said.
The race is under the Anderson County Education Foundation. While Temple and his wife, Jessica, founded the race, the foundation ensures that all the money and grants are handled efficiently.
Temple wasn’t always a fitness buff. Around eight years ago, he was overweight and on blood pressure medication.
“I wasn’t a sports player or an active person,” he said.
But a friend invited him to running events and races.
“I was not that guy,” he laughed. “I thought, I’m not going to win, so why go?”
He came up with every excuse that he could, but after two years, he finally started running.
“I lost a lot of weight and loved it,” Temple said.
Jessica was in charge of the Clinton 5K back then, and it was the first race he participated in.
“I caught the bug,” he said. “I think everyone can do it. We’re given two legs and a body. Whether you’re walking or running, whether you’re fast or slow, you can do it.”
The inspiration behind the race is to encourage the community to get up and get active. There is a one-mile run as well as the 5K, and both can be walked.
The Anderson County schools health coordinator, Anna Hurt, came up with the idea to donate a water bottle refilling station.
In the past, schools have been awarded grants for the stations. Other projects that received grants were tumbling mats for Clinton Elementary, an America Ninja Warrior course for North Clinton Elementary, a CPR training kit for Anderson County Career and Technical Center and others.
To register, visit Clinton5k.com by Oct. 19. Participants can also register in person the day of the event. It will take place rain or shine.