Early in the morning on May 17, people from Fenton and the surrounding areas will gather for the fourth annual 5K Tiger Run and third annual Tiger Trot. The event is the exact same as last year and Athletic Director Mike Bakker expects a good turnout to help raise money for the Athletic Department.

 
“We’d like to see a couple hundred people in the 5K, and the Tiger Trot has always been successful with a lot of kids and hopefully that will continue to be successful,” Bakker said. “The day that we’re running it is Armed Forces Day. We are working on possibly getting a color guard here for the start of it.”

 
The event is run by a committee of five people and is assisted by many volunteers on race day. The 5K is the first race in the morning with the Tiger Trot right after. One of the participants last year was gym teacher Becky Moore.

 
“It’s a great time to be out and it’s a real race,” Moore said. “It’s for a good cause, and one that’s pretty important to me. It’s good from a physical fitness standpoint so I do it to promote that as well; I did it too to set a good example for my kids.”

 
The idea for the run came from the effort to combat declining athletic funds. It was a community 5K and pig roast the first year, but the roast was not worth continuing because it wasn’t bringing in enough money compared to the amount of work required. The Tiger Trot was added the second year.

 
“We added the Tiger Trot because the 5K was a little too long for kids and since we took away the pig roast and family carnival, we still needed something for kids,” Bakker said. “It’s about getting those kids to participate in a run that is shorter and more age appropriate for them to have some fun and enjoy that part of the day.”

 
The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and everything will be done and over with before noon.

 
“I ran it in 8th grade and I’m hoping to run it this year,” sophomore Emily Kinser said. “I recommend people attend because it brings the community together and it looks good for Fenton High School.”

 
The race is a certified course, meaning runners can use the time as a standard that may be needed for another race they wish to participate in.

 
“I did it because it was in Fenton, it was a run and I like running,” freshman Lucas English said. “I’ve trained a little bit more this year, and I’m hoping to do better than last year.”

 
A printer friendly registration form can be found online at FHS’ website or can be picked up in the athletic office. All forms must be sent in by May 2.

 
“It’s a great event, we have a lot of fun. It’s a flat course, so it’s an easy run or easy walk,” Bakker said. “We encourage people come on out to have some fun and do a little physical fitness as well as help support the Athletic Department.”