Runners, walkers and supporters of Three Rivers College will have the opportunity to work up a sweat on a late summer run to benefit students pursuing a future in fine arts.
TRC will host the second annual "Run 4 The Arts" four-mile run/walk at 9 a.m. Sept. 9 at its Poplar Bluff campus. The event is being held to raise funds for an endowed scholarship for students majoring in fine arts (music, theater or art) at TRC.
"Three Rivers is proud to be a supporter of fine arts education, and Run 4 The Arts helps keep our fine arts programs strong," said Michelle Reynolds, director of development for TRC. "We had a great time last year, and we can't wait to get everyone on campus to help our fine arts students."
Reynolds said Run 4 the Arts replaces the annual Sarah White 5k, which helped family and friends raise funds for a memorial scholarship in White's honor.
"That run exceeded its goal, so friends and family of Sarah White suggested we host a run for something else. We put our heads together and decided a run to fund the arts would be great," she continued.
Reynolds said the course, which she collaborated with runner Gary Croy to design, starts at the Tinnin Center, heads toward the license bureau, circles around and back through the campus to the Shelby Road entrance. It then follows Shelby to PP Highway before turning left onto Bess Blvd., with the finish line on TRC's campus.
"For Poplar Bluff, it's one of the better courses, I think," Reynolds said. "Gary has been very helpful in laying it out for us."
Proceeds from the race will be invested with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Reynolds said she anticipates in two years, the scholarship should be fully funded and the college will be able to award scholarships at that time.
"September is a great time for runners and great time to get in a little movement while supporting the arts," she said. "So many TRC students need scholarships so they can attend and this is a great way to make that happen."
Same-day registration begins at 8 a.m. in front of the Bess Activity Center. Entry is $20 for an individual 4 mile run/walk or $20 for the 1 mile walk, which is a new feature this year.
The full entry fee includes a T-shirt, guaranteed for those who pre-register and also available to race day registrants while supplies last. Non-runners interested in supporting the event may register as a "virtual runner" for $20, and receive a T-shirt. Participants must register by Aug. 16 to be guaranteed a T-shirt.
To register for Run 4 The Arts, or for more information, call 573-840-9077. Registration forms can be found online at trcc.edu/development/events.php or by searching for "Run 4 the Arts" at active.com.
For those unable to participate in the event but who wish to support the scholarship fund or sponsor the event, contact Reynolds at 573-840-9077, or email endowment@trcc.edu.