Last Chance: Enter the 5K Fiesta Run/Walk

Runners looking to take part in a 5K event May 5 to help local schools may want to quicken their pace if they have not yet registered.

Organizers of The Paulding Education Foundation’s inaugural 5K Fiesta Run/Walk, to be held in downtown Dallas, are taking online registrations on active.com. Those wanting to take part in the 5K race are now being offered a $20 registration price, but that cost will go up to $30 after Sunday and up until the day of the race. Potential participants in the kids 1K will also want to enter early as the $10 fee goes up to $12 after Sunday.

An informational flyer and registration form are attached to this article in PDF form.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the non-profit Paulding Education Foundation, which supports the Paulding County School System.

“Our goal is to fundraise for the school system. I like to say we’re they’re to pay for the bells and whistles that the school board budget won’t allow,” says Amy Mollohan, the foundation’s executive director. “[This] is a way for families to come together with a good race and family event on a Saturday morning that supports their local schools and school district.”

Historically, the foundation has managed more than a dozen scholarships—some of them are endowed while others are given directly by the foundation. The organization also provides three $2,500 grants a year, one at each school level, as assists small school programs throughout the year.

Mollohan said another goal of the race, which she says will hopefully draw participants from outside of Paulding, is to garner the attention of those who may support the foundation in the future.

“The running community is definitely drawn to races—we’ve publicized throughout the state of Georgia for that running community, so it’s a way to bring in additional dollars from outside the community, but it’s also a way for us to get our name out there,” she said. “Our true goal is to fundraise through major corporations and large foundations outside the county, but we need to show that our community supports our foundation and supports our schools. This is a great way to show that support while contributing by entering [the race], and we can then take that information to foundations and corporations and show them we’re raising money locally.

“What we hope to do is support more district-wide programs with additional grants as well as receive corporate and large foundation grants that the school system can implement district wide.”

Those deciding at the last minute to take part in the race can enter the day of the event beginning at 7:30 a.m. The 5K is set for 9 a.m.; the 1K kid run will follow. All race entrants will receive a T-shirt, and awards will be given out to the top male and female overall and the top male and female in each age group. All finishers in the kids’ race will receive a ribbon.

The 5K is a USA Track & Field race and a Peachtree qualifier.

Attendees also will be able to visit sponsor booths, while children will get to enjoy bounce houses, Wii Fit game stations and “Fiesta-inspired” games.

Event sponsorships remain available. To inquire about them or the race itself, contact

Mollohan at amollohan@paulding.k12.ga.us or 770-443-8003, extension 10142.