TELLICO PLAINS-Organizers are preparing for an annual event, which is a tribute to a late Tellico Plains High School supporter.

The third annual Tim Kelley Memorial 5K Run will be held on Friday, March 8 at 6 p.m. The five-kilometer (3.1 mile) out and back course starts at the Tellico Plains High School Alumni Center and loops back, with the finish line at the baseball field.

"Tim Kelley was a strong supporter of Tellico Plains High School athletics," said Organizer Sharon Stone. "I wanted to host a fun, different event for Tellico Plains and it was only fitting that it be named after Tim. This event has a little friendly competition and family fun."

The event is normally a "success," said Stone, the sister of Tellico Plains High School Athletic Director Shawn Yates.

"Our first year, we had around 130 participants and last year we had about 85," she noted.

This year's event has been moved from the normal Saturday-morning race to a night race.

"We thought moving it to a night race would bring in more outside racers," said Stone.

Also new this year is the Kids Run, which will be held at 5:30 p.m. before the main race. The Kids Run will make one lap around the high school (0.41 miles) and is non-competitive. All children who run in the Kids Run will receive a finisher's award and T-shirt.

"Kids will get pizza and a movie in the Alumni Center during the 5K if they want it," said Stone.

Stone said no one should be discouraged from participating in the event.

"You don't have to be a runner; Walkers are also welcome!" she said.

There are five different categories for the 5K: Ages 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50 and over. Each of the age groups are split between men and women. The top three men and women finishers in all categories will receive a medal.

Pre-registration will continue until Feb. 20 and is $15 for the Kids Run and $20 for the 5K. After the pre-registration period ends, the cost will be $20 for the Kids Run and $25 for the 5K. The entry fee is non-refundable unless the race is cancelled.

"T-shirts are guaranteed to early registrants and after that, T-shirts are limited and will be given until we are out," said Stone.

Stone urges all interested in racers to pre-register by Feb. 20. All participants should arrive at the Alumni Center between 4:30 and 5:45 p.m. on race day.

Registration forms are available online at www.TimKelley5K.weebly.com, or by contacting Tellico Plains High School at 423-253-2530 or Stone at 423-253-5381. .

Proceeds from the annual event go to the Tellico Plains High School Alumni Center, a state-of-the-art weight room that allows present and future Tellico Plains Bears and Lady Bears to train. The Alumni Center also houses a banquet hall that showcases memorabilia and can be used for class reunions, athletic banquets, etc.

For more information on the Tim Kelley Memorial 5K Run, e-mail Stone at sharonleestone@gmail.com.