School running teams partner to support Bell Center

Homewood runners are starting early to prepare for the Mercedes Marathon Relay in February 2014, and for a good cause.

The running programs at all five Homewood City Schools are creating the Patriot Partners program. The partnership will raise funds for Bell Center’s early intervention for developmental delay by forming student teams to participate in the relay,

From fifth grade to high school, HCS runners of all abilities will be recruited to train together as they unite a love for running with a spirit of giving. Coaches from each of the schools, along with cross-country coaches from Homewood Middle School and Homewood High School, will work with the five-person teams to prepare each runner for their leg of the 26.2-mile relay.

Students will also be responsible for fundraising to support the Bell Center, an organization that provides special education, speech and physical therapy and other services to children at risk for developmental delay.

Lars Porter, Homewood High’s cross-country head coach, looks forward to seeing the students work together for a great cause.

 “Road racing today has really become a cause-related sport, and we wanted our kids to experience the enormous satisfaction that can come from being a part of something bigger than themselves,” he said. “With this program, we hope that our students and athletes will discover the joy of using their talents to serve others.”

The HCS running programs have experienced tremendous growth over the past several years, and Porter understands that this brings the opportunity and responsibility to give back to the community.

 “The Bell Center is such an amazing resource that has impacted thousands of families throughout Birmingham,” he said. “And having the center here in Homewood, along with their longstanding ties to the running community, just made them a natural fit for us. It’s a new partnership that I hope will remain for many years.”

The Patriot Partners program will kick off at the Bell Center’s Magic City Mile race on Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. in downtown Homewood. Following the race, an information meeting will be held at the Bell Center at 3:30 p.m. for students interested in becoming a Patriot Partner.

The Bell Center is located at 1700 29th Court S. Anyone unable to attend the Patriot Partners informational meeting can contact Lars Porter at lporter@homewood.k12.al.us for more information.