Staff Writer

Ready. Set. Run for a good cause.

Saturday morning, downtown Troy will be full of people in running shoes who want to help youth in the community.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pike County will have its annual 5K run starting at 8 a.m. at the Square with all proceeds going toward the mentoring program in Pike County.

"This is the only community fund-raising event we have during the year," said Tennie Jarrell, coordinator of school-based services for BBBS of Pike County, adding the money is needed to provide matches for grant funds.

Sandra Butler, outreach coordinator for BBBS, said 150 participated in the run last year and the goal for this year is 200.

Registration forms can be picked up at the BBBS office, 103-D Merrily Drive in Troy, the Adams Center Book Store, TSU post office, TSU field house, TSU cafeteria and the SGA office and Troy State. Or, call 566-2454 and one will be sent.

Those who register by Oct. 9 only have to pay $15 for adults and $10 for children under age 12. Registration after Tuesday will cost $20 for adults and $12 for children under 12. Race day registration, which ends at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, will be $25 for adults and $15 for children.

After the race, awards will be presented in 10 different categories: male and female 0-12; male and female, 13-21; male and female 22-30; male and female 30-40, male and female 41 and older.

Groups having the largest number of participants will also receive recognition. Those categories will be: high school sororities, high school clubs or groups, Troy State University sororities, TSU fraternities and TSU clubs or groups.

Even if you can’t be a part of a group, be a part of the pack because everyone who participates will receive a t-shirt.

"Troy State University and individuals in the community have been extremely helpful in the past and we are hoping for that same kind of support this year," Butler said.

The money raised through registration fees goes right back into the programs offered in Pike County.

BBBS offers two programs to help youth in the area.

The community-based mentoring program matches adult volunteers with children. Those volunteers are asked to give only a few hours a week that can mean a big difference in the life of a child, said Sandra Butler, outreach coordinator.

Volunteers go through an approval process that includes an interview, personality test, background checks, letters of reference and a home visit.

School-based mentoring is an effort to help youth exhibiting signs of academic failure, school dropout, poor social skills development and low self-esteem.

Jarrell said those types of problems can be alleviated by the one-on-one, trusting relationships that develop through BBBS adult role models.