By SUSAN LEATHERS
Brentwood Home Page
Serious runners, kids, babies in strollers (and the parents to push them), octogenarians and anyone else who can lace up a pair of running or walking shoes is invited to be part Run for Rotary, one of the city’s largest road races. The 5k and 10k races return this Saturday, sponsored by the Brentwood Rotary Club.

Just part of the crowd taking part in the 2010 5K run.

Both races begin and end at the Brentwood High School track, 5304 Murray Lane.

While this is the fourth annual Run for Rotary, it is the first held in the fall. All previous races were held in conjunction with the Rotary club’s huge pancake breakfast, held spring.

Chalk the change up to growth and manpower.

“It got to the point that we were really stretching our manpower,” race chairman Robert Fidler said. “Both events that 75-100 people to do it right; plus, we were having traffic issues at the schools trying to hold both events on the same day.”

Fidler’s also hoping the fabulous fall weather experienced this past weekend sticks around. “I’ve been looking at the long-range forecast every day,” he admitted. Though it’s still early, right now an early morning temp in the 60s and sunny skies are anticipated.

All proceeds from the Run for Rotary go back into the community through the Brentwood Charitable Foundation. Last year the foundation made sizeable donations to five families significantly affected by the May floods. In addition to funding several scholarships, a few of the foundation’s past recipients include the Brentwood Library, Youth Town Girls Ranch, the Williamson County Literacy Council, the Tennessee Camp for Diabetic Children, the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home and scout organizations. Over $250,000 has gone back to the community since the foundation was founded.

Last year, runners had to check results via computer printouts. This year, results will be instantly available and viewable on big screens.

Money is raised through entry fees, and this year the club hopes to attract 350-400 participants. Registration for the 5K is $25 through Friday, and $30 on race day; 10k registration is $30 by Friday and $35 on Saturday. Advance registration and more information can be made at www.runforrotary.com. Race packets can be picked up at Fleet Feet in the Brentwood Place shopping center.

The 5K (3.07 mile) route heads east on Murray Lane, goes through MacGavock Farms subdivision before heading south on Granny White Pike and back to the track.

The 10K route also goes through MacGavock Farms, but then heads north of Granny White Pike before going east on Virginia way into the Maryland Farms Business Park. After circling Ward Circle with a short time on Maryland Way, the route returns to the high school and the finish line.

“We encourage walkers, strollers, everyone. We want this to be a family affair,” Fidler said. Trophies will be presented to the top three male and female finishers in both races. There will also be awards for top finishers in each age-group in each race.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. The 10K begins at 8 a.m., with the 5K start following at 8:20 a.m.