Christy Flom ’14 | Managing Copy Editor

The Grosse Pointe South Ath­letic Booster Club is holding its 9th annual Run the Pointe 5K and 10K run and 2 mile walk on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 9 a.m. at South on the track.

“All proceeds support funding for athletic uniforms, equip­ment, training programs, facility upgrades, enrichment programs, and scholarships,” said Booster Club co-chair member John Sohn.

The event has been run through­out the Grosse Pointe Farms neighborhood, starting and ending at South’s track, since it began in 2004. Registration forms, along with a course map, are online at www.gpsouthathleticsboosters. com, and runners can also register on the day of the event beginning at 8 a.m., Sohn said. There is a $20 entry fee for all participants.

“All runners will be chip timed and the top three runners from both the 5K and 10K runs will receive a medal,” said Sohn.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the event, even people who cannot participate in the run or walk. Coming out to show support for the athletic programs at South is the main reason the fundraiser was set up, Sohn said.

“You can sponsor another runner by donating on his/her behalf, or you can donate money by your­self without running,” said Sohn. “South has a tradition of excellence in athletics complementing its excellence in academics. Running or walking is great exercise and what better way is there to spend an hour of your Saturday morning running with the South commu­nity and helping athletes at the same time?”

Sponsors can even target specific South teams, Sohn added.

Cross-country runners Jaya Telang and Samantha Holm, both ’13, ran in the race last year. The cross country coaches require team members to participate in the event every year.

“Even though I ran it because I am a part of the cross country team, I really enjoyed it and would have run in it anyways,” said Telang. “It was nice that it counted as one of our times and the run itself was very smooth and flat, opposed to some of the hilly courses we run at meets.”

Holm agreed the run was fun, and was glad she could participate in an event that sends the money to a good cause and benefits all the athletes at South.

Close to 100 percent of the team participates in the event and Cross Country coach, Steve Zaranak said he encourages the fundraiser to help out the Booster Club.

“The Booster Club does tremen­dous work for South and helping out is the least we can do,” Zaranek said.

The money from lasts year’s event helped fund multiple proj­ects including new uniforms for boys and girls cross country, cheer, and girls soccer uniforms, new padding and helmets for the foot­ball team and a basketball shooting gun for the boys and girls teams, Sohn said. Part of the proceeds are also set aside for the four yearly scholarships that the Booster Club gives out at the end of every year.

Hoping to raise more than $12,000 this year, Sohn said he hopes to see an increase in attendance. The club is trying to reach 400 partici­pants overall, an increase from the 250 who came out last year to support the event. Athletes, coaches, parents and community members are encouraged to attend.

Water, coffee, fruit and some carbs will be avail­able in the morning for the runners and walkers.