The Troy Junior Women’s League is in preparation for the Second Annual Brittany Sheppard Pugh Memorial 5K and Shep Sprint/Fun Run on March 9.

While some athletes are busy getting in shape and prepping for the run, event organizers are trying to collect sponsorships and donations to ensure the event is a big and special as can be.

Brittany Shephard Pugh, 24, and her son Shep, 14 months, were killed in an automobile crash just north of Brundidge in March 2011. Brittney was a member of the Troy Junior Women’s League and teacher at Barbour County Intermediate School.

Holly Pugh, Brittany’s sister-in-law, said that last year’s event was a huge success and she expects that the 2013 edition will be bigger and better.

“We want this one to be better,” said Pugh. “Last year’s event had over 500 participants. It’s early in registration, so we don’t know how many we have signed up. We are hoping to have more, and make the event even better.”

Sponsorship packages are available and include three different levels. The different options are Community for $30, Service for $75 and Memorial for $150. The Service and Community Level donors also get placement on the event T-shirt.

“Brittany epitomized our club motto, ‘Achievement through inspiration and education’ as well as our theme, ‘To do for the world, more than the world does for you,’” said Holly Pugh. “We have chosen to honor her and her son by naming this fund-raiser in their honor.”

The event is the biggest fund-raiser for the group, and goes toward awarding a scholarship to a graduating senior. Money will also be used to benefit local charities, such as the Troy Public Libraries and Child Advocacy Center.

Early registration for the race and run is already underway, and those that take advantage of it will get a reduced entry fee of $20. Entry forms postmarked after Feb. 24 will be considered “late,” and the entry fee will be $25 for the 5K. The one-mile fun run/walk entry fee is $15.

On-site inflatables will be available for children to use while parents take part in the run. Children will also have an opportunity to participate in the Shep Sprint. The sprint will be a 50-yard dash for children ages 4 and under.

“Prior to the run, our biggest fund-raiser was Breakfast With Santa,” said Pugh.

“The breakfast was something that was for the children, and now the run is something that they can do with mom and dad, and whoever else wants to take part.”

Holly Pugh said the event takes on special meaning for her, being that the day is held in honor of her family members.

“They are pretty special to me, personally,” said Pugh.

“She was a great member of our organization and the run is a great way to remember who they were as people.