June 23, 2016 -- The RoxEl Run, a community foot race now in its fourth year, raised $3,000 for programming for the school on June 4. 

Since 2013, the race, which is organized by Roxboro Elementary School PTA members to not only raise funds but also encourage healthy habits for elementary-age students, has grown into a popular competitive event that's fun for all ages.

In order to prepare students for the RoxEl Run, a Run Club was established for Roxboro students in third through fifth grades. Twenty young participants trained on Tuesdays after school for eight weeks leading up to the event. Roxanne Bain, a Roxboro parent and marathon runner, coached the children along with other volunteers, to develop good running technique and to build endurance for the June race day. The Run Club helped students set goals and achieve them. Many more youngsters experienced the success of running their first race.

In the process, the event raised more than $3,000 for educational, arts and fitness programs for students in grades K-5 at Roxboro Elementary School.

As in the past, the race included a 4-mile and 2-mile run, followed by a Kid Fun Run for elementary-age children around the middle school track. New in 2016 was a 2-mile walk, which began shortly after the run start time and followed the same route.

The event is made possible through the generous support of the following: St. Paul's Episcopal Church; Chestnut Hill Realty; Farmer's Insurance; Howard Hanna Realty; Zuik Company; Big Fun; Bruegger's Bagels; Luna Bakery and Cafe; Vince Nemeth, Roxboro's physical education teacher; and the Atkins, Gisel, Holland and Patterson families.