For the past couple years, Ebenezer Middle School’s after-school running program has promoted fitness for runners of all ages and abilities.

On April 20, the Ebenezer Middle running club hosted an event to benefit not only its participants, but all EMS students involved in extracurricular activities.

The inaugural Ebenezer Middle Run-to-Fund 5K and Fun Run/Walk raised money to expand and enhance after-school programs such as the art club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FFA, show choir, boosters, Interact Club and the running club.

EMS students, teachers, parents and others from the community — more than 115 people in all — participated in the 5K run or one-mile run/walk. Also, several local sponsors made contributions, said Mark Weese, a seventh-grade life science teacher and the running club sponsor.

“I was very excited to see it all come together and for the opportunity to showcase our students,” Weese said. “We were overwhelmed with the amount of support we received from local business owners who donated money and time to be a part of the race as well.”

About 40 Effingham County students of all ages participated in the run, mostly in the one-mile race. However, that’s just one way Ebenezer students were involved in the fundraiser.

The EMS show choir performed while runners crossed the finish line. The runners received hand-made awards that students in the art club spent three weeks designing and sculpting after school.

The FFA held a plant sale, allowing participants to take a little bit of Ebenezer home with them and plant in their yard. Interact Club members worked a water station at the two-mile mark of the race and handed out water to the runners as they passed.

FCA and members of the track team volunteered along the course to cheer and direct runners along the 3.1-mile race.

“What a great event for the local community to show their commitment to local education,” Weese said. “I am proud to be a part of a new tradition here in Rincon.”