State College Football 5K Supports Local Student-Athletes

After a successful inaugural race in 2015, the State College Football Booster Club will host its Second Annual State College Football 5K on Saturday morning to raise funds in support of middle school and high school football programs.

‘Fundraising is essential to the team,’ said Lovey Walker, whose son Kam’ron Walker will be a senior defensive tackle at State High this fall ‘We do two fundraisers a year and need every penny for a variety of things from food to equipment. Close to 300 athletes and staff benefit from the fundraising and boosters.’

The State College Football Booster Club supports the 8th-12th grade football programs at State College Area High School, Park Forest Middle School and Mount Nittany Middle School. The club helps provide athletes and coaches with essential equipment, meals and training apparel.

This year’s 5K run and walk begins with registration at 8 a.m. and the race at 9 a.m. starting at Memorial Field on South Fraser Street. It’s open to all ages and skill levels. Advanced registration is $30 and day-of registration is $35. Awards and prizes will be given to the fastest overall finisher, as well as the fastest male and female in each age category, which range from 10-and-under to 70-and-over.

Smith said the club is hoping to exceed last year’s total of 130 participants, who helped raise $4,000 for student-athletes.

‘We set a goal of $8,000 and [we] have 120 runners so far and 25 sponsors,’ Walker said. ‘We’re hoping to break the 200 runner mark by day of event.’

This year’s 5K, which begins and ends on Memorial Field’s 50-yard line will feature music from DJ Caraby from 8-11 a.m., a dunk tank and post-race food and beverages.

‘It will be loads of fun at Memorial Field,’ Walker said.