Walton Education Foundation 2016 Apple Classic

 

Race registration is open; Apple Classic runners will enjoy more streamlined courses; Seeking event sponsors

 

Walton County, Fla. - January 11, 2016 - Run, Walk, Educate with Walton Education Foundation at the 5th Annual Apple Classic 5K and 10K Run on Saturday, February 20, 2016 hosted in the Freeport community of Hammock Bay where students, educators, families, and more will run and walk for Walton County education.

 

"Walton Education Foundation is excited to celebrate the five year mark for our key fundraiser and we are thrilled to announce a better race course for runners and the addition of more post-race activities," states MH Carr, Executive Director for Walton Education Foundation (WEF). "This event certainly sets the pace for our organization and its ability to grant funds to teachers and schools for specialized projects."

 

The beautiful Hammock Bay neighborhood located in Freeport, Fla. has hosted the Apple Classic for five years and offers runners an open, well-maintained course. Both the 5K and 10K courses are open, considered fast and flat, and have received a number of improvements including: a new Start/Finish line located adjacent to the neighborhood's Town Center; a new 10K course; a new 5K turn and an overhaul of all post-race activities. The Town Center Lawn will host the race's new Start and Finish plus the Ceremony of Medals, Grayton Beer Garden for Racers, Apple Classic Raffle and children's activity area.

 

The 5K participants will run an out and back course, with a better turn offering an easy elevation for a faster pace or scenic view for avid walkers. The 10K has been completely updated with a better positioned Turn 1 at turn just south of Highway 20 and Turn 2 down Hammock Trail West. Both courses wind through the neighborhood offering scenic views and lots of community sideline support!

 

The Apple Classic Run directly impacts the planning and mini-grant program supported by the Foundation.

 

"Funds raised for the Walton Education Foundation through the Apple Classic Run are eligible to be matched by the State of Florida through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. The match significantly increases our grant opportunities to teachers as well as other programs supported by the WEF," states Carr.

 

In 2015, WEF awarded over $42,000 through 39 mini-grants to teacher applicants that directly benefited nearly 5,000 Walton County students. The Foundation also expanded its reach into 15 schools in Walton County including charter schools.

 

Sponsorships are available starting as low as $150, and provide a unique opportunity for Walton County businesses and schools to work together and promote creative learning within our Walton County school classrooms. To become

an Apple Classic sponsor, please contact info@waltonedfoundation.org .

 

"With 78% of our 2015 runners being Walton County residents, we invite community businesses and families to sponsor the event and see how WEF can really impact Walton County education," continues Carr. "Families as well as business are encouraged to sponsor the Apple Classic."

 

Online registration is open and entry fees are: $20 for students; $35 for 5K runners; and $40 for 10K runners. Teachers will receive $5 off their entry fee with use of special code. See your school for details.

 

Packet pickup will begin at 7 a.m. on race day and the shotgun start is at 9 a.m. The community is invited to pre-register online anytime. Prices will increase after February 1, 2016 so participants are encouraged to sign up early. All runners will receive a goodie bag which includes a 2016 Apple Classic t-shirt, items from our sponsors and an apple.

 

To register for the 5th Annual Apple Classic Run, visit www.appleclassicrun.com. To find out the latest news about Walton Education Foundation and the Apple Classic Run, visit us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/waltonedfoundation.