Auburn University’s Student Government Association (SGA) wants Auburn residents to “lace up” for the annual Fall 5K run to benefit “Project Uplift.”

The Fall 5K is a 3.1 mile run to benefit “Project Uplift,” which is directly related to the United Way, and will take place this Sunday, Oct. 18, at 5:30 p.m. on Cater Lawn.

“Project Uplift is a big brother, little sister mentoring program,” said John-Michael Roehm, the SGA secretary of university outreach. “Auburn University students are able to get a child that may be underprivileged and kind of mentor them.”

According to the “Project Uplift” Web site, the program has been “pairing Lee County children with caring friends since 1973. ‘Project Uplift’ is an agency whose main goal is to help children develop constructive, happy lives, so that the delinquency rate in our country will decrease.”

Jamarcus Babers, a two-year volunteer and employee with “Project Uplift,” appreciates the continued support from SGA.

“With the donations we receive each year from the SGA, Project Uplift is able to reach more and more children who would have otherwise gone without a mentor,” he said.

The SGA has collaborated with “Project Uplift” for many years to sponsor this event.

“The event has definitely been a tradition on the campus,” said Roehm.

Over the years, the Fall 5K has expanded exponentially in the number of runners.

“It has grown to be where we have about 700 runners and all the proceeds go to ‘Project Uplift,’ Roehm said. “I think last year we were able to donate about $6,000. We’re hoping to do that and more this year.”

To encourage and increase participation, there are two modes of registration and spirit point options.

“You can register online at auburn.edu/sga until Friday, Oct. 16 at 5 p.m. and it is $15. If you need spirit points, you can receive 10 points for registering before Friday. If you would like to register the day of, you can register starting at 4 p.m. on Cater Lawn and five spirit points will be awarded,” said Roehm.

In addition to supporting “Project Uplift”, SGA has other goals for the Fall 5K.

“We not only want to help ‘Project Uplift,’ but we want to continue to promote Auburn’s health initiative by keeping students active. It’s almost like a double whammy with helping the children of “Project Uplif”t and helping the students with their health initiatives,” said Roehm.

Anyone 18 years or older is eligible to participate. For more information, contact the SGA office at 334-844-4240 or email sga@auburn.edu.