Instead of selling candy bars to help raise money for the South Park Elementary PTO, members have planned a 1-mile cross country fun run that is open to all elementary students.

PTO member Kristi Hall said that the South Park PTO didn’t want to sell candy for cash. They wanted to hold a fundraiser that was unique. So the group has planned the inaugural Blackburn Motor Company Healthy Kids Bulldog Challenge, set for Oct. 27.

The run will be at South Park and the cost is $15, and $20 after Oct. 19.

Hall said the course will be on the school grounds, ending at the front of the school building.

“The school (public or private) that has the most students participate will win $500 toward physical education equipment,” she said.

Hall said she hopes the race will motivate children to become more physically active.

Darryl Floyd said he has already begun conditioning his students for the challenge.

“One of the things we have been doing is stretches and laps around the playground,” he said.

Floyd is the PE teacher at South Park.

“We also have free shoes for the fastest boy and girl, which will be donated by StinkyFeet Athletics in Jackson,” Hall said.

Registration forms have been mailed to all area schools, but if a student is interested in participating and does not have a form, he or she can go to the South Park Elementary website at www.southparkpto.org/bulldogchallenge.

The races will begin at 8 a.m. and race packets can be picked up the day of the race or from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 26 at the South Park cafeteria.

Hall said participants also are invited to attend the school’s Fall Festival, which will follow the race.

For more information, call 601-497-1933 or email kristi.walski@gmail.com.