Nine of the fourteen runners who participated in the Mack Lyon Middle School Second Annual Fun Run to benefit the school’s music program and spring trip to California start the 5K race Saturday morning including Samantha Chandles of Mesquite who pushed daughters Rebekah, 3, and Isabella, 1.

By Mike Donahue

Moapa Valley Progress

The 2nd Annual Fun Run to benefit the Mack Lyon Middle School music program and spring trip to Disneyland raised $270 as 14 runners braved chilly winds and gray skies Saturday morning to race.

All of the money raised in the 1 mile, 5K and 10K races go to help some 50 music students from the school’s orchestra, symphonic band and jazz ensemble go on the trip, said Justine Crawford, Lyon band director.

The run was the last of several fund-raising events students held during the year for the trip to Anaheim, CA, in May.

Racers came from Moapa Valley and as far away as Mesquite and Las Vegas to participate in the event. Additionally, Lin’s Marketplace in Overton donated a gift certificate used to purchase snacks, water and refreshments for the runners.

Loretta Woolston, who teaches at Grant Bowler Elementary and her brother Dave of Las Vegas, were the only 10K runners.

“It’s great to be able to come out and run and be able to support the music students at the same time,” Loretta said. “It’s especially nice when the run is local and we’re able to use it as training for other races.”

Students are scheduled to depart in the early morning Friday, May 27. They perform that evening in the Heritage Festival, an annual music competition. The next day the kids will spend the entire day at Disneyland; then load up for the overnight trip back to Moapa Valley.