FLORENCE, S.C. — Back2School 5K Brings Community Together to Support Local Cross Country Team
The sun shone brightly on a robust crowd of around 100 philanthropic individuals who gathered to participate in the Back2School 5K run in Florence, South Carolina. The race, which took place around the Florence Family YMCA, aimed to raise funds for the South Florence High School Cross Country team.
The race was won by Andrew Parker, blazing through the competition with a time of 19:46. The first overall female finisher was Ilaisaane Tyree, who finished in the 10th position overall with a time of 22:02.
South Florence High School’s Cross Country Team in the Limelight
While the event was primarily a fundraiser, the race served a multitude of purposes. The school’s Cross-Country coach, Alexis Morris who was the mastermind behind the event, highlighted how the event was also a platform for community engagement and student responsibility. “It’s a good community event. We bring in a lot of different folks from the area… The color guard from South Florence High School participates, and we have a chorale singer who sings the national anthem for us,” she said.
Not just participating as runners, members of the Cross-Country team actively participated in arranging the event. Alexis Morris mentioned the significance of this, expressing, “The athletes have to set up the course, so there is ownership in that. They have to set up and take down and it is kind of a time trial for them to see where they are as the season starts.”
Seven Years and counting
Having been part of the local calendar for seven years now, the Back2School 5K has consistently been an efficacious fundraiser for the South Florence High School Cross Country team. The funds raised help offset various costs associated with participating in competitive events such as travel expenses, entry fees for meets, and providing the necessary gear for the athletes.
The Road Ahead
Morris has high hopes for her team in the upcoming season. She stated that they might be young, but the team would likely be competitive. The Back2School 5K acted as a great way for the athletes to assess their fitness levels and understand where they stand as the season nears. As a coach, it helps her to reassure her athletes of their potential sportsmanship while understanding their training needs for the upcoming season.
This event exemplifies the kind community spirit of the Florence residents, demonstrating their continuous support for local teams and athletes. The Back2School 5K isn’t just a race; it’s a beacon of unity and enthusiasm that brings together different sections of the local community for a noble cause.
