Participants will have an opportunity to race across High Bridge and raise funds for area high school students and teachers Saturday, March 17.

Cumberland County Public Schools Foundation, Inc. and Centra Southside Community Hospital will sponsor the Run High Bridge 5K race, set to begin at 9 a.m. at the High Bridge Trail State Park’s Camp Paradise entranceway.

The foundation distributes scholarships for Cumberland County High School students and grants to teachers and students in the division.

Last year’s race raised more than $12,000, according to a representative of Cumberland County Public Schools (CUCPS).

Patty Bickel, organizer with the Run High Bridge 5K, said approximately 142 participants had signed up as of Wednesday, and organizers expect between 155-165 people to attend the day of the event.

“The registration, of course, will go through race day,” Bickel said.

She said registration fees will go toward funding scholarships, and those who donate could receive their names on T-shirts that will be made and on a poster during the day of the race.

In addition to the race, participants can expect prizes from a raffle drawing taking place the day of the event.

Bickel said the top six winners — three men and three women — can choose between prizes including an overnight stay at Hampton Inn in Farmville a free one-month membership to the ACAC Fitness & Wellness Center in Midlothian or Short Pump Center in Richmond, among others.

Door prizes for participants and runners, which can be won by submitting raffle tickets available the day of the run, include a Barnes & Noble gift bag with books and other goodies, items from Appomattox River Company, prizes from The Fishin’ Pig, a bracelet from Penelope Jewelers and a state inspection coupon.

Bickel said since 2001, the Cumberland County Public Schools Foundation, Inc. and its 15-member board have raised $118,729 in teacher grants for Cumberland County Public Schools and $281,300 in student scholarships.

Dr. Chip Jones, assistant superintendent of finance and operations with CUCPS, encouraged participants to get involved to support area students.

“We are excited the (Cumberland County Public Schools) Foundation is once again coordinating and sponsoring the 5K,” Jones said. “Funds raised provide scholarships for Cumberland High School seniors and alumni. You can support the 5K by running, walking, cheering on participants or making a donation.”

To learn more about the program, including how and where to register, visit runsignup.com/Race/VA/Rice/runhighbridge5k.