‘Difficult decision.’ FCPS 5K fundraiser to benefit teacher appreciation canceled

Fayette County Public Schools’ 5K Run for A Cause, a Sept. 13 fundraiser for teacher and staff appreciation, has been canceled.

“Due to lower-than-expected registration, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the event,” district spokesperson Miranda Scully told the Herald-Leader Friday. The announcement was made Aug. 18.

One-hundred eighty runners participated in Fayette County Public Schools’ inaugural 5K Run for a Cause in 2024, Skully said. So far this year, 41 runners had signed up for September’s run.

The 2024 event raised almost $9,500 toward building a school in Africa, the district website said.

The 2024 family-friendly event drew runners and walkers of all ages on a Saturday outside the district’s John D. Price Administration Building. After warm-ups with a DJ and fitness coach, they followed the paved course looping through the adjacent Lexmark campus, and prizes went to the top finishers overall and by age group.

The 2024 announcement for that event said the FCPS-sponsored event would support a new and different cause each year.