SEBASTIAN — Approximately 65 runners registered for the Labor Day 5K to benefit the Sebastian River High School’s cross country program, raising about $1,450 for the teams. The program has 13 girls and 11 boys ready to run, but in light of district-wide budget cuts, which have hit extracurricular programs hard, the teams held the fund-raiser to help pay for transportation, uniforms and coaches’ salaries.
The teams had hoped raise $7,000 from the event, according to organizer Carol Dunphey.
Dunphey, who coaches the girls’ team but is not a teacher at the school, said several local business owners, including Bill Urban of Runner’s Depot, contributed some funds to hold the race.
This was not the race for the runner who wanted to leave with a goodie bag filled with prizes and a t-shirt. The scaled-down event was simply to help foster cross-country running at Sebastian River High School and was for participants who wanted to enjoy a morning of fresh air and good exercise. Trophies were only awarded to the top two male and female runners.
“Everything raised goes directly for the cross-country team and every bit is helping,” she said. “We’re one of the few sports that does not have a booster’s club, which is why we’re doing this.”
The cross-country season started in August and runs through the end of October, with districts and other post-season activities continuing through Thanksgiving.
Sebastian River High School is located at 9001 Shark Boulevard in Sebastian. For more information, call Carol Dunphey at (772) 532-5771.
