Special to the Sentinel Are your kids ready, ready, ready…ready to run? If so, get them to the track at Mettner Field Stadium Saturday, May 6 for the USFD #298 Fundraising Committee’s Track-AThon where they can participate in races and games with chances to win medals and prizes.
“Kids don’t need to raise money to participate in any of the activities, in fact, no one does,” USD #298 Track Fundraising Committee member Jessica Kobbeman said. “Certainly we want to raise money for the track project, but we really just want to get people out there for the event, remind them how fun it is to gather at the track and football field for community events, and emphasize what an important educational facility the track is for Lincoln.”
The USD #298 Track Fundraising Committee has worked tirelessly to organize a fun-filled event at Mettner Field this Saturday, with activities for all ages and help from several volunteers.
The evening will kick off with an opening ceremony featuring the National Anthem by the Lincoln High School Pep Band and a flag raising by the VFW Color Guard.
Adult teams will begin walking or running following the opening ceremonies and teams are encouraged to keep at least one walker or runner on the track the entire six hours of the event, though not a requirement.”
“Teams are responsible for counting their own laps,” Kobbeman said. “We’ll keep it on the honor system with prizes awarded for the team who walks or runs the most laps. If a team can’t keep a walker or runner on the track the whole time they will not be penalized.”
Check in is at 6:30. Youth races will begin at 7 pm, organized by age groups based on the number of participants in each age range at check-in. Lincoln Elementary P.E. teacher Chase Kloenbucher, along with recently retired P.E. teacher Shari Pittenger will organize the races with the help of student volunteers.
Prizes and medals will be awarded to the top several placers in each age group.
Pittenger has also planned additional games for the children in attendance including a ball throw, noodle javelin, dodgeball and more. Track-A-Thon organizers have plans for adults to get in on the fun, as well as mixed relays (two adults/two kids per team), Volleysquare and a field goal contest.
“I’m thrilled to have Shari and Chase work together to organize games for the event and look forward to seeing both adults and children alike have fun at the Track-A-Thon,” fundraising committee member Becky Cheney said. “It should be a fun night for our community and the track program.”
The Lincoln PTCO will open the concession stand from 6-9:30 with all proceeds going to the track renovation effort. Whether running, walking or just there for socializing be sure to enjoy your concession stand favorites.
“We’re very thankful to have the PTCO volunteers run the concession stand that evening especially considering they’ll be coming off running the stand for the track meet on Friday,” committee member Jim Metz said. “Kristy Rosebrook and her crew do a great job.”
When the concession stand stops serving, they will pass the baton to Trish and Justin Miller of Biggee Biggs who will offer pizza by the slice for late night walkers in the final two hours of the event. Mike Cheney will host karaoke to keep the party going.
Many local and area businesses have donated prizes for the event including Beverly Bar & Grill, Family Hair Flair, the Finch Theatre, Lincoln Building Supply, Martinelli’s, Mity Mart, Nex-Tech Wireless. Rolling Hills Zoo. The grand prize comes from the Stiefel Theatre in Salina with tickets to the Josh Turner concert July 29. The team that raises the most for track renovation will take home the grand prize.
For more information contact any of the USD #298 Track Fundraising Committee members and follow the committee on Facebook.
