Rocket Fun Run blasts off April 5 at Rainbow

Rainbow Elementary School PTA will host its first Rocket Fun Run on April 5.

Shy of a 5K, the shorter route will be just for fun, PTA President Amanda Kay said. “We’ll set up two tracks with cones inside the 1/4-mile track.” Students can complete about 20 laps while dancing and running to upbeat music.

While the run is a PTA fundraiser, its focus will be healthy lifestyles and physical activity for children. Rainbow’s 700 students will participate with assigned time slots in grades K-6.

“Every child will get a Rocket Run bracelet. Reusable water bottles will be given to all students who bring in any donations,” Kay said. The PTA will award iPod-like devices to the three students who collect the most donations.

Assistant Principal Michael Gunner and Principal Dorinda White have agreed to pie-in-the-face challenges.

Leading up to the run, a pep rally will feature athletes and dance/cheer squads. “Maybe the Charger mascot from the University of Alabama in Huntsville,” Kay said.

Excitement among students already is brewing. “The children love to get outside and have fun together. The music makes running really fun,” she said.

Other event organizers are Cynthia Finney, Andrea Cushing, Cheri Volkin, Myra McCarthy, Rebecca Parsons, Kathleen Burgess and Melissa Johnson with UAH.

Along with Kay, Rainbow PTA officers are secretary Kathleen Burgess; treasurer Rebecca Parsons; and vice presidents Cheri Volkin, programs, Cynthia Finney, membership, Myra McCarthy, volunteers and Andrea Cushing, fundraising.

Key encourages parents to volunteer “make this a successful event.”

Run proceeds will pay for technology training for the Rainbow faculty, library software, playground mulch and outdoor classroom upgrades.

Rain date for the run will be April 9. For more information, visit rainbowpta.com.