167 runners battled the rainy weather this morning to participate in the Big Chill marathon to support the Community in Schools Mid-America.
Runners had the option to run a 5K, 10K, or a half-marathon. Almost 60 percent of those who signed up chose to run the whole 13 miles of the half-marathon.
The role of the nationwide nonprofit is to be a support system for at-risk students by providing food and clothing, as well as case-service management from psychology coordinators placed in schools. Victoria Partridge, who is the area director and communications manager for the central Kansas region, doubled as the event organizer. Partridge explains more of what CIS Mid-America does in Emporia.
CIS Mid-America is currently involved at both Logan and Walnut Elementary schools, with plans to expand to Emporia High School. Plans for EHS involve helping the older students adapt to the worlds of college and adulthood to help them become outstanding members of the community.
Initial barriers are typically encountered, Partridge says, but are almost always overcome. She appreciated the support of Emporia Public Schools.
All of the roughly $10,000 gained from the race will be going back to the organization to hire quality members and stock their many programs, services, and materials here in central Kansas.
More information on Community in Schools Mid-America can be found at their website https://cismidamerica.org/ as well as on social media.
Photos by Devon Swartz/KVOE News
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