With a 1k fun run beginning at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K starting at 8, Saturday’s annual Country Run has been a community tradition and a fundraiser for Lovejoy athletics since 2006.

All proceeds received will benefit booster clubs for baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, cross country/track, swimming, tennis, golf, wrestling, sports medicine, and volleyball. Country Run sponsors include Herb’s Paint and Body, Joseph Paul Homes, Raising Canes, and many more.

After both races are complete a pancake breakfast will be served for race participants. Non-race participants will have the opportunity to purchase a ticket for the breakfast as well.

Freshman Will Floyd said he’s choosing to run the 5K because he’s interested in a challenge.

“I decided to participate because I wanted to run with my friends and to support the booster clubs,” Floyd said.

Sophomore Sarah Collins said the basketball players were challenged to participate in the run by coach Lance Boxell. Her junior varsity team decided they would either run or pass out water. Sarah decided to attempt her first 5K.

“We ran the mile last week, but I’ve never run that far (a 5K) before,” Collins said. “I’m hoping to do well. I think it’ll be a struggle, but I’ll be OK.”