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By TYLER RALEY | Staff Writer

HOOVER – Local residents of all ages are invited to Hoover’s Veterans Park on Valleydale Road to participate in the 11th annual Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K on Saturday, March 15.

Jefferson State Community College’s annual 5K offers those who attend a morning of getting active, and all that participate will receive a swag bag, T-shirt and a medal for the winners.

The 5K is held each year in honor of Judy M. Merritt, who served as the president of JSCC for 35 years and made history by becoming the first female president to lead a collegiate institution in the state of Alabama. 

Proceeds that are made from the event goes towards the Thomas E. and Judy M. Merritt Scholarship, which provides funding to students of Jeff State that are deemed of showing outstanding qualities. The recipients of the scholarship are selected from a variety of criteria that includes service, high moral character and leadership amongst other qualities.

Following the race, entertainment will be available for those in attendance including a live DJ, inflatables and face painting. Popcorn, cotton candy and drinks will also be offered, as well as a number of on-site vendors.

Those who register can either run, walk or take advantage of  a “sleep in” option. Medals will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place winners for both male and female runners in the following categories: 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-plus.

Registration for the Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K is $25 until March 15 and will cost $30 on the day of the race. For those 18 and under, the cost is $15 when using the code “STUDENT” at checkout. Registering for the “sleep in” option also cost $15.

Those interested in registering and receiving more information can visit Jeffersonstate.edu/5k.