by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Area runners will be up, down and around EverBank Field in a fundraiser announced Wednesday to help several high school sports that are on the chopping block.
Organizers of the Inaugural Florida Blue 5K Stadium Challenge want the Aug. 13 event to draw 2,000 runners, with the majority of ticket proceeds benefiting high school sports such as cross country, golf, tennis and wrestling that are at risk of cuts because of Duval County Public Schools budget constraints.
“We expect this to be a very big event,” said Doug Alred, 1st Place Sports owner and race manager.
Alred said he believes the race format and course will draw interest this year and in subsequent years.
Participants in the race will run inside the stadium, on the field, up the ramps and along several paths.
Alred wants to raise about $50,000 for the high school sports this year and believes the event can be a permanent one to help fund high school sports.
The race begins at 6 p.m. but runners will be released in 30-minute increments to accommodate the facility and ensure safety.
Tickets, available online only at 1stplacesports.com, will be $30 until Aug. 7, $35 Aug. 8-12 and $40 on race day for adults. Tickets for children 13 and younger and adults 65 and older are less.
356-2466