The Southern Pride U-18 softball team has their eyes set on a trip to a national tournament in Destin, Florida to gain exposure on one of the biggest stages of the year. To help fund the travel expenses, the team will host a Glow Run themed 5K at Jack Read Park.
“We wanted our first time doing this to be fun and memorable for everyone that comes out,” Ashley Alford, Southern Pride manager, said. “We are a little crazy so we wanted to add a little craziness to our event.”
Alford said the Southern Pride U-18 team’s outgoing spirit pioneered the idea of helping their families pay for travel expenses with an entertaining event for people of all ages.
“People can bring the whole family and just enjoy a unique run or walk around the city,” Alford said.
The team, comprised of three Lady Tide and five Lady Devils players, has set high expectations for their trip to the national tournament from July 16-23. There, the team hopes to repeat the success they reaped last year at the U-16 Road To Orlando World Series. A number of the players look to play at the collegiate level, so this tournament will provide the best opportunity for them to get national exposure and have the chance to play at that next level.
To cover the travel expenses for the team, Alford said they hope to raise roughly $1,000 by having at least 100 runners participate in the Glow Run.
The overall male and female winners of the run will receive a $50 cash prize each and the first two male and female finishers in each age division will receive a Glow Run 5K medallion. The age divisions will begin with 14 and under followed by age divisions up to the 80 and above group.
Registration can be done by either texting Alford at 601-273-0147 or completed online at Active.com. Each participant will receive a T-shirt. Registration can also be done the day of the event at 7 p.m., but there is no guarantee of receiving a T-shirt since there is a limited amount.
The run will start at 8 p.m. at Jack Read Park July 7. For more information, contact Alford.