MADISON – In outreach to help a charity that is endeared by many Madison students, James Clemens High School is hosting the annual Colorful Virtual Run to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

The Color Run celebrates those people who make the world brighter, healthier and happier, organizers said.

Because of concerns about COVID-19 risks, the Color Run will be staged in virtual format, as coordinators did in 2020. While the event is virtual this year, organizers are urging individuals to raise as many funds as last year for St. Jude.

“We sincerely hope that students and community members register for the James Clemens High School St. Jude’s Color Run as all proceeds go directly to supporting St. Jude Research Hospital,” health science teacher Ashley H. Steinert said. Library media specialist Ashley Strode also is assisting students with this campaign.

“Our HOSA Future Health Professionals organization takes pride in being a part of this student-led virtual run,” Steinert said. “We are so thankful to give back to this worthy cause.” (HOSA abbreviates Health Occupations Students of America.)

Steinert feels that St. Jude is the best charity for donations. “They are a non-profit hospital that functions by donations alone. This hospital never turns any pediatric cancer patient away, no matter the patient’s financial situation,” Steinert said.

“What better way to give back this time of year than to donate to an institution that is on the forefront of pediatric cancer research and give pediatric cancer patients a chance at life,” Steinert said.

Registration deadline is Nov. 19 for either the 5K or 1-mile run to guarantee that the runner will receive a souvenir T-shirt, cup and color packet. Participants will receive their race packet and can run the chosen distance anytime in December and post photographs on the race website. To sign up, visit runsignup.com/Race/AL/Madison/JCHS4StJude.

Contestants can run from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31.

Entry fee is $25 for the 5K. Entrants in the Mile Fun Run will pay $20. For more race information, visit jchs.madisoncity.k12.al.us.

Over the years, James Clemens has been able to raise more than $20,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.