High school students participating in the 9th Annual Benson OctoberFAST 5K on Saturday, Oct. 3, will have the opportunity to win a $1,000 scholarship for their school. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. at Greer First Baptist Church, 201 W. Poinsett St. The fast, flat course is certified.
OctoberFAST benefits Greer Community Ministries (GCM), a nonprofit offering assistance to those in need in the Greater Greer area through Meals on Wheels, Senior Dining, a Food Pantry, and Sharon’s Closet.
The scholarship is new to the event this year and the winning school will be chosen based on the amount of involvement and school spirit shown during the 5K race. The scholarship will be awarded to a student this school year.
"We are so excited to offer this scholarship this year," said Cindy Simpler, executive director. "We want to continue to bring young people into our mission of helping people and then reward them for getting involved right here in their community. This is a great way to bring the two together."
Points will be awarded for the following: number of paid participants representing a particular high school including family and friends; wearing school colors or other spirit wear during the race; number of supporters at the event including mascots, cheerleaders, drumline, and others.
Extra points are awarded for new underwear donations for Sharon’s Clothing Closet at GCM, including sizes for men, women, and children. Students are encouraged to create a "Don't Run Commando" campaign prior to the event to collect new underwear and then bring them to the event. One point is earned for every five pairs of underwear donated.
The school with the greatest number of total points will be awarded the scholarship. Students from the winning school will then be eligible to apply for it in January 2016.
Rules for eligibility are available at gcminc.org. Sign up for the 5K at go-greenevents.com. Adults can register for $20 and students for $5 without a shirt or $15 with a shirt. Indicate a preferred high school at that time.
Benson OctoberFAST also features a Classic Car Show from noon to 4 p.m., live music by The Sterling Price Band, free flu shots and blood pressure checks through Greenville Health System and a blood drive with The Blood Connection from noon to 2 p.m. Children’s activities such as crafts and karaoke will be from 10 a.m. to noon and a hot dog lunch will be available for $5 from noon to 3 p.m.