Registration underway for Character Counts race

The St. Johns County School District encourages walkers, runners and fitness enthusiasts to participate in the seventh annual Character Counts 6 Pillars 6K/3K run/walk Feb. 2.

The run/walk will begin at 9 a.m. Feb. 2 at Palencia Elementary School, 355 Palencia Village Drive.

The school district, along with area businesses, youth organizations and civic groups, selected the national character education program of Character Counts in 1998 as a countywide initiative to instill positive character traits in young people throughout the county.

Additionally, the St. Johns County School District became the first school district in Florida to implement Pursuing Victory With Honor in all of its athletic programs.

Proceeds from the race will support Character Counts initiatives throughout the school district.

The 6K/3K run/walk will follow a course through the neighborhoods of Kensington and Las Calinas. Registration fees are $30 for the 6K and $25 for the 3K before Feb. 1. The fee increases to $35 on race day for the 6K and $30 for the 3K.

The run/walk is open to all ages, and the top three winners will be awarded in each of the age categories as well as the overall male and female finishers. A cash donation will be awarded to the top three to five schools with the most registrants. Last year, these schools were Ocean Palms Elementary, Alice B. Landrum Middle and Valley Ridge Academy.

All race registrants will receive a tech T-shirt and a swag bag filled with goodies from area businesses and organizations. At the finish line, each race participant will receive a commemorative dog tag, which is the fifth design in its series.

To register, go to racesmith.com/races/CHARACTERCOUNTS.html.