RINCON —  Blandford Elementary School’s previous fundraisers couldn’t hold a candle to the one it conducted Thursday.

With the assistance of Boosterthon, Blandford raised $22,000 through its first Fun Run. The money will be used to purchase Chromebooks.

“This is a (fundraising) record us,” said LaToya Jones, Blandford’s principal. “In the past, we’ve raised money through selling candles and other things. The students have really been motivated for this event.”

Jones, Assistant Principal Lori Newkirk and Instructional Supervisor/Assistant Principal Donna Strickland gave the students additional motivation by agreeing to be “slimed” in the school’s gym Friday morning.

“Yes, they are very excited about that,” Jones said.

During the day-long Fun Run, 751 students in kindergarten through fifth grade took turns making circuits around a short track lined with colorful cones. Their steps were punctuated by energetic music and the encouragement of Boosterthon employees.

The students, limited to 35 laps, generated the $22,000 by gathering pledges from people they know ahead of the event. After the race, the sponsors took care of their financial commitment by paying the school online or with a check.

Every student benefited from the event even if they didn’t gather any pledges. They still participated in the Fun Run and experienced Boosterthon’s  character program, which focuses on integrity and other traits in the week or so leading up to the race.