Story and Photos by Arella Cash
Eatonton Messenger
The sound of sneakers pounding pavement filled the air around the Putnam County Recreation Center Aug. 20, as the PCHS cross-country held its annual Fun-Run!
This runathon allowed the high school’s athletes to get plenty of running time in while also raising plenty of money for the team through its fundraising aspect.
“PCHS does a great job in supporting athletics, but they are unable to purchase team apparel for each individual student-athlete,” said crosscountry head coach Joe Hutsell. “The funds raised for the event will help offset the cost of hoodies, t-shirts, bags, but also water, snacks, etc. on days of events.”
This marked the sixth year for the Fun-Run! runathon to take place and due to ongoing track-and-field renovation at PCHS’s Al Reeves Stadium, the venue was moved to the county recreation facility, where the PCHS cross-country team got its chance to run the course for the first time.
“The runathon is like a lift-a-thon.
Runners will collect money based on their performance. Generally, the more laps they run in the one-hour time limit the more they will collect,” Hutsell explained.
Hutsell added it will take some time to collect pledges and expressed gratitude for everyone who supported the school’s cross-country efforts.
“The funds will be collected over the course of next week so I’m unsure on the total. We appreciate everyone that has donated this year or in the past,” he said, then added, “It is not too late to donate if you have a runner you want to sponsor, either.“ The Putnam County High School cross-country team opens its official season Aug. 25, at Pendleton King Park in Augusta (1600 Troupe St).