Walkers, Strollers Welcome at First Panther Pride 5K

Submitted News

BRISTOW, Va. – The first Panther Pride 5K kicks off this spring in western Prince William County. The latest registration information, schedule and training plan are available now on pantherpride5k.org.

Avid runners and walkers of all ages will begin the event on April 6 at Bristow Run Elementary School, at 8990 Worthington Road, weave through the Kingsbrooke neighborhood, and return to the school.

Participants will put their best foot forward to raise money for Bristow Run Elementary School’s newest project to raise student awareness of global needs. Bristow Run is one of only three schools in the commonwealth of Virginia named as part of the new Global Schools Network.

“All proceeds will support literacy and our renamed Global Garden, which is being restructured to focus on the different crops and vegetation in various regions of the world,” said Scott Baldwin, Panther Pride 5K Committee chair and Bristow Run assistant principal. “This will be yet another hands-on tool for our students to learn about the diverse world in which we live.”

Baldwin said the 5K will attract competitive runners, but he also described the event as “family-friendly,” welcoming walkers and strollers. He brought the idea to Bristow Run from his previous school in Manassas Park, where over a six-year period, what began as a one-mile fun run for children grew into a 5K and health and wellness fair for the community. Thousands of dollars were raised each year for literacy efforts.

Now, Baldwin is hoping to bring the same motivation and community-building effort to the Bristow/Gainesville/Haymarket area. “Donations from local businesses, volunteer efforts and event participants are keys to success,” he said. “All proceeds benefit the growth of our students, who are our priority. It would mean the world to teachers and parents to have the opportunity to open young minds to a new sense of global awareness, benefiting everyone.”

Registration before Feb. 18 is $20 for adults; $15 for children ages 5-12. After Feb. 18, registration is $25 for adults; $20 for children ages 5-12. Registration for children under the age of five is free, but T-shirts are NOT guaranteed for this age group.

Event schedule and registration packet pick up is scheduled 5 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 5 at the Running Store on Atlas Walk Way in Gainesville. Race day registration is set for 6:30 – 7:45a.m at Bristow Run Elementary School.

On Saturday, April 6, the 5K kicks off at 8 a.m. in front of the school. Awards are set for 9 a.m.

Vendors will be available on school grounds 7-10 a.m. A Health and Wellness fair promoting check-ups, activities and safety also is planned, as well as prize raffles. A deejay will keep participants and supporters moving that morning.