By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—Get out and enjoy the spring weather at Jefferson State Community College’s second annual Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K Run and Walk on March 19 at Veterans Park.

The event features a 5K run and a one-mile fun run and walk. All money raised from the event supports the Judy M. Merritt Memorial Scholarship fund.

Jefferson State Community College started the Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K Run and Walk last year as part of the school’s 50th anniversary and as a way to honor longtime president Dr. Judy Merritt.

“Last year was a big moment in our college, it was our 50-year anniversary,” event organizer James Buxton said. “We had such success last year (at the race), we said, ‘Hey, we need to do this every year.’”

The event brings together Jefferson State faculty, staff and students and the greater Shelby County community, and Buxton said it’s a great way to honor Merritt’s memory.

“Dr. Merritt was such a trailblazer…She made such an impact on everybody’s life,” Buxton, a Jefferson State graduate, said. “If you mention Judy’s name to anyone, their face will just light up…She meant the world to everyone she met.”

Meeting students’ needs and making education accessible was important to Merritt. Funding scholarships with the race proceeds is “definitely” something she would have wanted, Buxton said.

“She enabled everybody to do their best to meet the needs of the students,” Buxton said of Merritt. “She laid that foundation of reaching out to help students in any way we can.”

Entry costs $30 for the 5K and $20 for the one-mile fun run/walk. Those who wish to support the event but can’t make it to the race can enter the virtual 5K for $20. Runners, walkers and virtual racers will receive a dark grey race T-shirt emblazoned with the race logo.

Participants can register and pick up their packets on at Veterans Park on race day, Saturday, March 19, from 6:45-7:30 a.m. The 5K race will kick off at 8 a.m., followed by the one-mile fun run/walk at 9 a.m. Awards will be given out starting at 9:30 a.m.

Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female winners and top age group winners. Special awards will be given to Jefferson State students, faculty and staff.

For more information and to register, visit Jeffersonstate.edu/judy-m-merritt-memorial-5k-run-fun-walk/.