Southwest extends registration for Tiger Trot
Published 9:02 am Tuesday, March 31, 2009
It’s not too late to get in on Southwest Middle School’s third annual Tiger Trot.
The school has extended its deadline for reduced-price registrations. If people register for the event by April 3, they are eligible for the $15 registration fee and a free T-shirt. People can still register after April 3 for $20, but they are not guaranteed a T-shirt. The registration fee is $3 for Southwest Middle School students and Albert Lea sixth-graders.
“We’re hoping people don’t hesitate to register,” said Southwest teacher Katie Bremer. “We really want to encourage more registrants with this extended deadline.”
The Tiger Trot is a 5K fun run/walk for students, their families, community members, and anyone else who enjoys being active and healthy. It will be held Saturday, April 18, starting at Brookside Education Center at 9 a.m. The course will run through residential neighborhoods and near Fountain Lake. The Tiger Trot is registered with “Runner’s World” on line, and registration forms have been sent to people from around Minnesota. The event is held in conjunction with the Fountain Lake 5 run, sponsored by the YMCA. Medals for both are made by Southwest art students.
The Tiger Trot is Southwest’s only fundraiser; the school doesn’t sell pizzas, candy, or frozen goods anymore. SWMS racers will be collecting pledges to support the school’s activity fund. This fund helps support student field trips (like seventh-graders to the Guthrie Theater), Courage Retreat for eighth-graders, assemblies, and other student needs. All race participants are asked to consider making a donation to this fund. Students will also be asking people for pledge support and sponsorships.
Last year, 225 people took part.
Bremer urges people to consider walking in the event if they’re not runners. “It’s doable, even if you’re not fit. It’s a way for the community to come together and see all the students out there, working for their school,” she said.
Bremer said the Tiger Trot fits in well with Albert Lea’s current health initiatives, like the City Health Makeover, done by Blue Zones and AARP. In addition, participants can get two stamps on their Fit Forever passport, part of the family adventure program to build healthier kids in grades K-8.
Awards will go to the top three male and females in each age division. Age divisions are: 11 and under; 12-13; 14-18; 19-29; 30-39; and 40+.
The Tiger Trot is run in conjunction with the Fountain Lake 5, sponsored by the YMCA. Medals for both are made by SWMS art students.
Registration forms are available by calling Southwest Middle School at 379-5240, or go to the school’s Web site, http://swa1.albertlea.k12.mn.us, and click on the Tiger Trot 2009 sign up.
“It’s a great way for community members to support Albert Lea schools in a healthy and fun way,” Bremer said. “We’re encouraging middle schools students to bring a friend and make a day of it.”