SPANISH FORT, Ala. — The Spanish Fort Educational Enrichment Foundation’s annual Haulin’ Hooves 5K and 1-mile Fun Run will be cause for a bit more celebration than normal considering supporters have their first ever opportunity to support a state championship cross country team.

“It’s a very good time to be a Toro,” said SFEEF President Sheren LeBlanc, saluting the boys team that recently took the state title.

Event chairwoman Shelby Stevens said as of press time only about 100 runners had registered for the event that typically draws closer to 150 participants, but she is expecting a strong turnout for Saturday’s event at the Spanish Fort Town Center and would not be surprised to see that figure increase with “day of” registrations.

The event, which benefits the cross country team, made about $800 for the team in 2008, but both Stevens and LeBlanc noted it is the dual sponsorship of the race and earlier Fiesta that fills the foundation’s coffers each year.

“This event is still in its infancy,” said LeBlanc, adding, “Thanks to our sponsors we’ll be able to continue our mini-grant program, scholarships and still be able to give each school a little extra to help cover the costs of needed supplies. We just feel like the community has really responded to our pleas for help with funding.”

In 2009, the SFEEF mini-grant program awarded 16 classroom grants totaling more than $22,000. The foundation also supplied each classroom with $100 to purchase supplies at the beginning of the 2009-10 school year. The application deadline for 2010 grants is Jan. 19, and the new awards will be announced in March.

Check-in for the race begins at 7 a.m. near the Kangarooz Family Fun Center behind Bass Pro Shop, and Stevens reminded runners who pre-registered to pick up their packets—complete with T-shirt—at that time.

Remaining T-shirts will be on sale to the general public, she said.

The 5-K begins at 8 a.m. followed by the Fun Run at 9 a.m. Registration is $15.

“It’s just a great partnership we have between SFEEF and the cross country team, where they really do all the organizing and put on the race, and then SFEEF brings in the sponsor money,” Stevens said.

As an added bonus, Stevens said members of the Mobile Roller Derby will help kick off the Fun Run by helping the Toros simulate the “Running of the Bulls” and adding a little extra flair.

“It’s really just a lot of fun, and we hope everyone will turn out to support our Toros. We’re so proud of them,” Stevens said.