Eighth Annual ETS Firecracker 5K Run and Walk on June 26

The 8th Annual ETS Firecracker 5K Run and Walk will be held on June 26 at the ETS campus on Rosedale Road.

Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place individual winners in several age categories. Winning corporate teams will receive special recognition. The event includes giveaways, music, a complimentary post-race buffet, and t-shirts for all pre-registered participants.

This year the race is dedicated to Patti Preston, the founder of the YWCA’s bilingual preschool program. Preston passed away in February after battling cancer. Through her dedication, the preschool program has grown and thrived and has graduated more than 300 students.

The Firecracker 5K raises money to support the preschool program that serves at-risk children from across Mercer County. The school provides dual-language learning and enrichment activities that prepare students to enter kindergarten on par with their peers. Each year, the bilingual nursery school serves more than 30 children whose first language is Spanish. Scholarships are provided to 90 percent of the students. Their families would otherwise be unable to afford preschool.

The registration fee for the event is $20 if you pre-register, and $25 on race day. USATF members receive a $2 discount. You can download a registration form or register online. The race starts at 7:30 p.m.