Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Foundation Lacing Up Sneakers for ‘Spring Forward 5K’ on March 25
Bolstered by enthusiastic participation and numerous finish line high-fives last year, the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Foundation is preparing to hold its second annual Spring Forward for Student Success 5K Run/Walk to be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, on a USA Track and Field-certified course around the Lex Walters Campus-Greenwood.

“Symbolically, funds raised through this fun event helps Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ students progress and ultimately cross the finish line in their journey to successful careers,â€� said Fran Wiley, associate vice president of the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Foundation. “Every day, our students go the extra mile in their studies, and scholarships play a vital role in their ability to achieve their dreams.â€�
More than 130 people of all ages participated last year, raising $13,000 to support student scholarships, book/supply assistance, and other support to enrich the college experience. Every participant who registers by March 7 will receive a commemorative T-shirt.

The cost to participate is $25 per runner and $20 per walker until March 17. After that date, the cost will increase by $5. Race-day registration will be allowed.
Packet pick-up begins a 7 a.m. in front of the William H. “Billyâ€� O’Dell Upstate Center for Manufacturing Excellence on South Emerald Road. The 5K run/walk, a timed event for runners only, will start at 8:30 a.m. An Awards Ceremony for runners will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. The first three finishers in both the overall male/female and the masters (age 40 and up) categories each will receive $100, $50, and $25 for first, second, and third place, respectively. The races are held, rain or shine unless Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ determines that conditions are too dangerous. If the race is canceled due to inclement weather, there will be no refunds. All participant registration proceeds are applied toward the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Foundation.

“The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Foundation is very grateful to our generous race sponsors,â€� Wiley said. “They consistently come through to support scholarships for our students.â€�
Sponsors committed for this year’s race include: Spraying Sparks Metal Art (Trophy); Manley Garvin LLC (Warm Up); State Farm – Piersol (Warm Up); Ascend Cares Foundation (Mile Marker); Countybank (Mile Marker); Davis & Floyd (Mile Marker); Eaton Power Breaker Center (Mile Marker); First Citizens (Mile Marker); Freedom Plasma (Mile Marker); Greenwood Regional Rehabilitation (Mile Marker); LCWSC (Mile Marker); Prisma Health Laurens (Mile Marker); Velux (Mile Marker); The Links at Stoney Point (Finish Line), and Smoothie King (Starting Line).
For further details and to register, visit .
PHOTOS:
• Participants at the starting line of the inaugural Spring Forward 5K Run/Walk in 2022
• Two finishers celebrate during last year’s Spring Forward 5K
• Three young ladies pose after finishing last year’s event
• Spring Forward 5K Logo