This year, the JROTC will celebrate its 99th anniversary with a 5K run and, possibly, a Guinness World Record.
According to www.jrotc5krun.com, the organization is attempting to break the record for most participants in a multi-location 5K run. The group needs 101,247 runners to accomplish their goal.
According to www.usarmyjrotc.com, the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program is designed to teach high school students character education, student achievement, wellness, leadership and diversity. There are three types of JROTC programs, including Army, Air Force and Navy.
For the first time, the NJROTC students at Pearl River Central High School are hosting a 5K run in conjunction with the anniversary, Senior Naval Science Instructor Col. Todd Ryder said.
“For the past 99 years, the ROTC programs have made a significant contribution to our local communities,” Ryder said. “Anyone can take part, no matter their sports or academic prowess. All that is required is a desire to serve their community and be a part of a group that promotes citizenship and patriotism.”
Along with the national campaign, local JROTC students chose a local charity to help, Ryder said. This year, the proceeds from the run will be donated to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Pearl River County.
The students have been involved with Relay for Life for the past couple of years, Ryder said. Initially, they were invited to present the colors and help set up for the event.
“What the Relay volunteers do is truly noble,” Ryder said. “We feel privileged to help and the timing of the event is perfect, given that their Relay event is May 9.”
The JROTC 5K Anniversary Run will take place on Saturday, April 25 at 401 Goodyear Boulevard.
According to the event flyer, check-in begins at 9 a.m. and there will be an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The race will begin at 11 a.m. Awards will be given to the overall top three male and female racers and the top three participants in each age group.
Visit the www.raceroster.com/events/2015/5299/jrotc-5k-run or www.jrotc5krun.com to register. The entry fee is $20, which includes a T-shirt, bib and gift bag, the flyer states.
For more information, contact race officials at 601-798-5360 or through email at tryder@prc.k12.ms.us.