Knights of Columbus’ Tootsie Roll 5K, Fun Run to benefit MCS’ special education students
The Tootsie Roll 5K and Fun Run will be held Nov. 2 at Madison City Schools Stadium
MADISON – Knights of Columbus will present the seventh annual Tootsie Roll 5K and Fun Run on Nov. 2. The event will benefit special education programs in Madison City Schools or MCS.
This local event is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus’ nationwide campaign. Council 10232 and Council 17519 of Madison sponsor the run and give 100 percent of proceeds to help Madison schools.
“I want to thank our local Knights of Columbus for its longstanding support for our special education programs,” MCS Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols said in his “District Update.”
The run will begin at 8 a.m. at Madison City Schools Stadium, 211 Celtic Drive. “Since we support the whole of Madison City Schools, the race begins and ends at the stadium next to the MCS administration building and runs through downtown Madison,” according to a spokesperson.
From the stadium, the race route will proceed north on Celtic Drive and turn left (west) on Shorter Street. Runners will continue to Garner Street and go south to Sullivan Street, which is the turnaround point to return to the stadium.
Knights of Columbus members give a “big shoutout to the City of Madison for allowing this (race) and Madison Police Department for supporting the race. As always, our effort is to support Madison schools.”
“Know that by participating, you’re contributing to your local community. We especially want to (recognize) those who have participated in the past. We hope that you will continue to support our race and students,” according to Knights of Columbus. “If you cannot participate, please consider a donation. Every little bit helps.”
Packet pickup is scheduled at Fleet Feet, 181 Hughes Road in Madison on Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Runners also can get their packet on race day at the stadium at 7 a.m.
The 2024 Tootsie Roll 5K Race Ambassador is 16-year-old Briley Burden. Briley was born with a rare genetic disorder, Angelman Syndrome. She entered Rainbow Elementary School in fifth grade and later attended Discovery Middle School. Her favorite activity at both schools was helping operate a coffee cart with snacks for teachers.
Briley now attends James Clemens High School, where Special Olympics basketball allows her to shine. Briley lives with her parents, Blake and Kerry Burden, and her twin brother, Nicholas.
In 2023, Councils 10232 and 17519 and St. John the Baptist Church’s Ladies Auxiliary donated to MCS. The 5K raised more than $10,000 for MCS.
Contributions helped to buy the ‘Nook,’ a seating area designed to absorb ambient noise and create a calming environment for students. This year, the Nook will be displayed at the stadium during the race.
Registration fee for the Tootsie Roll 5K is $30. Registration ends Oct. 30 at 11:59 p.m. Fee for the Tootsie Roll Fun Run is $15.
To register, visit runsignup.com/Race/AL/Madison/KofCTootsieRoll5K. Click the “Sign Up” pulldown menu, and complete the race form.
