THE third annual staging of the Veronica Campbell-Brown (VCB) Foundation 5K Run/Walk Road Race is scheduled to be held on Sunday, January 21, at the Vere Technical High School in Hayes, Clarendon, starting at 7:30 am.

The 5K Run/Walk is the VCB Foundation’s main fundraiser, which has been growing steadily since the first staging in 2016. Funds raised from the event go to support its work, which is focused on helping high school girls stay in school.

The VCB Foundation offer financial assistance to the girls from Grades 8 through to 11 at St Andrew Technical High (STATHS), Vere Technical High School, Irwin High School and Troy High School.

Race director Alan Beckford said that register will open on January 16 from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and the following day in May Pen, Clarendon.

He said that persons who are unable to register either at the Pegasus Hotel or online at www.vcbfoundation.com can registered on the morning prior to the start of the event.

It will cost $1,000 for adults and $500 for students to participate. Beckford also outlined the race route and said there will be a number of water stops for participatants.

“The running and walking course is a flat one and easy and is very fast, and we are expecting to have increased participation this year over the over 100 that we received last year,” Beckford said.

Campbell-Brown, who is also chairman of her foundation, said she is playing her part in giving back.

“The 5K Run/Walk is mainly to raise funds to support the girls in bus fares, books and other personal necessities they need. We are looking forward for at least another four schools to benefit from the VCB Foundation,” said Campbell-Brown.

Meanwhile, Christopher Samuda, president of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), said it was a pleasure for the JOA to endorse this event as the VCB Foundation has been doing a wonderful job.

“The VCB Foundation is primarily for young girls and the JOA has given its fullest support and assistance,” Samuda said.

— Gerald Reid