The Third Annual Justin Pepper 5K (JP5K) may have a different feel this year, with temperature checks upon arrival and staggered start times for social distancing but The Justin Pepper Foundation will be holding the event this Saturday, September 5, at Palmetto Bone & Joint in Chapin.
According to Justin Pepper Foundation CEO and race organizer Kari Pepper McKeone, this year’s 5K will have changes to accommodate CDC guidelines for the safety of all participants to include mandatory mask wearing, staggered start times, and hand sanitizing stations.
This year’s 5K will offer an in-person and a virtual option to facilitate the needs of all who wish to participate in the Justin Pepper 5K. The in-person participants will receive the standard race packet and have the opportunity to receive placement medals. The virtual participants have 8 days to complete their Walk/Run/Ruck event which enables them to complete the event safely and on their own terms. The virtual participants will receive a race packet with several items including a race shirt and participation medal.
“We are excited to be able to host our race this year,” McKeone said. “We know the running community wants competitive events. The Justin Pepper 5K has been a popular option for the past two years, and we didn’t want to let our participants down.”
Proceeds from the 5K event support the Justin Pepper Foundation’s scholarship program recognizing high school graduates for their commitment to community service and volunteerism.
The race route will once again start in the Palmetto Bone & Joint parking lot then proceed through the Chapin Business and Technology Park and end back at the Palmetto Bone & Joint parking lot. The local police department will provide a secure route. Race staff, along with volunteers, will ensure all possible precautions are in place for a safe and fun filled race.
“I am grateful for the sponsorship we received during these trying times and hope events like ours will continue as we move ahead in the fight against this devastating virus which has impacted our communities so hard in the past months” McKeone said.
The Justin Pepper Foundation is still excepting race participants who can register online through this Friday, September 4. The Justin Pepper Foundation is still recruiting volunteers to help with race set-up and break down and also provide support along the race route. The Justin Pepper Foundation will award a trophy to the school, church or community group who bring the most volunteers. If you or your organization wish to help as volunteers visit https://www.justinpepper5k.org/volunteer-information for details and sign up link.
The Justin Pepper Foundation was established in 2007, to encourage youth to take ownership in their communities through volunteer activities and philanthropy. The Justin Pepper Foundation recognizes and rewards young people who excel in community service by providing scholarships to assist students with educational opportunities beyond high school. In the past 7 years the foundation has awarded $35,000 in scholarships to teens across the midlands.
