by Tony Johnson . Staff Writer |

This Saturday, the first annual “Jag-a-thon” is set to start a new tradition, inviting both school athletes and local runners/walkers to participate in the 5K/ 10K fun walk and run at 8 am.

“It’s just more of a community event, that would get everybody something everybody could do,” Coach Ron Rittimann said. “I think we have pre-registration right now up to just about 400 people, and they’re expecting some more to show up on Saturday morning to be part of it.”

The 5K race costs $20 for ages 10 and up, $10 for ages 10 and under, and the 10K costs $20 for all ages.

“We’re hoping for a huge turn out in the community, whether they’re participating in the event or if they want to come and just volunteer to help work and hand out water.”

Though there is a price to race, it’s for a good cause.

“This is a fundraiser for the athletic department. All the money that’s raised there will go directly to the Jaguar Pride Association, and then they’ll use that money to help with all the different sports here at Johnson High School. It was born from some of the members of the Jaguar Pride Association, which is our athletic booster club. Debra Prevost, her son plays football and track here, she kind of came up with the idea.”

Registration via email already reached it’s deadline, but those interested can still register in person at Roger Soler, Run Gear Run, Run On, though there’s a $10 late fee on the day of the race.

“You could run it and be competitive, you can jog it just as an exercise, or you can just go walk it to be a part of it.”