Potomac, Md. — While schools wind down for the summer and students are getting ready to travel for their vacation, Our Lady of Mercy School in Potoma, ends on a fast note.
On June 3, 215 people participated in The Mercy 5K and Kids Dash to raise money for the school that would go toward scholarships for students.
“It’s a fundraiser, the reason we started one was to integrate the community,” said Jennifer Palmiere.
Palmiere is the marketing and development director at Our Lady of Mercy. She served as the event coordinator for this year’s Mercy 5K And Kids Dash.
Participants from all ages ranging from 5 to 83 ran a course around the Potomac area.
Aside from the race there was a dog parade, face painting, music and food.
The race has multiple categories: Adult male, adult female, 14 and under category.
Pre-K and after school teacher Maria Chavez won the 5K in her category.
“I think it went well, I didn’t expect to win. I had a late start,” Chavez said.
Chavez won in her category in 24:31.
About 175 adults participated in the 5K. While some teachers ran, others volunteered as event marshals to oversee the race.
Audrey Ross, who teaches math in grades two through five, electives, and outdoor adventures at Our Lady of Mercy served as one of many teachers who marshaled the event.
“It’s a nice event to do and in an event like this it’s nice to see students and parents in a different light that’s not formal,” Ross said.
During school, kids in grades first through fourth grade got to create T-shirts for the contest and vote on whose design would be featured on the 5K and Kids Dash shirts.
The event was sponsored by friends and families of the Mercy community.
“One of the event sponsors, PCR offers extended educational opportunities,” Palmiere said.
PCR (Potomac Community Resources, Inc.) and Mercy do the same work in terms of providing an inclusive setting for the students which.
People from all over the Montgomery County, Maryland area participated in this event. Top overall male and female runners won a prize of $200 each.
“I was happy when they called by name,” Chavez said. “I was so excited. My daughter was so happy for me.
The race started at 7:30 a.m. and ended around 10 a.m.
While some prepared, others just went for it.
“I didn’t really prepare, I speed walk sometimes, this was my first time running,” Chavez said.
Others will be cheering from the sidelines next year and volunteering as a marshal again.
“I did the race pre-COVID and got beat by a second grader,” Ross said. “I brought a bike instead this year.
The event gave families and staff the opportunity to interact outside of school.
“By design we want to offer something for everyone and the event is done by 10 a.m.,” Palmiere said.
Teachers and parents cheered on their community as the Potomac community set out on their run.
“It’s fun to see the kids running and it’s good to be here,” Chavez said. “I enjoyed it. I would run again, I would bring my daughter next year.
“I will definitely be back with my Mercy pom poms next year, “ Ross said.