Registration opens for runners and walkers in Tootsie Roll 5K & Fun Run
MADISON – All ages can register now for a 5K and Fun Run that two chapters of a national organization are sponsoring to raise funds for Madison City Schools.
The ninth annual Tootsie Roll 5K and Fun Run are scheduled for Nov. 7. Sponsors are the Knights of Columbus chapters in Madison: Council 10232 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and Council 17519 at Most Merciful Jesus Catholic Church.
In January, Knights of Columbus members presented a combined sum of $15,130 from 2025 to MCS Special Education. Dr. Susan Zinkil, MCS Director of Special Education, has said in previous interviews that the run holds a special place in her heart. She has seen directly how students with disabilities benefit from all the generous financial and spirited support.
Additionally, Zinkil finds it heartwarming to see MCS students and others volunteering or participating in the race. The event in Madison is part of a broader effort by Knights of Columbus called the Intellectual Disabilities Drive.
Members of Knights of Columbus encourage interested individuals to sign up now for the Nov. 7 events or plan to attend as a spectator. Training for the race will give a chance to lose a few pounds before the likelihood of gaining weight at Thanksgiving. (tinyurl.com/TootsieRoll5k) The 5K race is USATF- certified (U.S.A. Track & Field).
Race packet pick-up will be held at Fleet Feet, 181 Hughes Road on Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. On race day on Nov. 7, runners/ walkers can receive their packets at 7 a.m. at Madison City Schools Stadium, 211 Celtic Drive.
The race starts and ends at the stadium and continues south on Garner Street. The turnaround point is located near Lifeway Street.
Three options will be available for sign-up:
* 5K and Fun Run — $30. Price increases after Oct. 16.
* Fun Run only — $20. Price increases at midnight on Nov. 6. * Sleep-in option – The individual does not want to run or walk but does want to show support. These individuals will receive a T-shirt. $20. Registration ends at midnight on Oct. 16.
Knights of Columbus members appreciate the help from Madison Police Department for safety during the race.
Over the years, the Tootsie Roll Run has generated more than $200,000 for MCS Special Education. Proceeds have helped with purchase of software, specialized teaching tools and instructional material, communication boards and learning aids, special sensory rooms and more.
Helping people with disabilities is a hallmark focus of Knights of Columbus chapters nationwide. A quote from St. Pope Gregory the Great epitomizes the objectives of the Knights of Columbus race: “When we attend to the needs of those in want, we give them what is theirs, not ours.”
The ‘Tootsie Roll’ namesake originated when Knights of Columbus held its signature fundraiser as a candy drive with Tootsie Rolls outside storefronts.
For more information, visit runsignup.com/ Race/AL/Madison/KofCTootsieRoll5K.
