Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., with the 5K at 7 a.m. This is the second in the organization’s summer running series to benefit local educational projects, most recently offering the similar Wake the Whittler.

However, don’t expect Elevate Education to be the exact same race.

“We’ve got a few twists in minds so it’s a little bit different course,” said FMCE’s Chris Jones.

The One-Mile Fun Run will begin following the 5K, and participants are welcome to take on one or both of the events. Jones said he’s hoping for 150 people or more between the two races, with the balloon launch an extra motivation for everyone to get out bright and early.

“That’s a great venue for something like this,” he said.

Registration is $20 for those 18 and older, with kids racing for free, all racers receiving a t-shirt. Prizes will be awarded for the top male and female finishers in each of three age divisions.

The signup form is available at moffatcountyeducation.org.

A traveling trophy will go to the organization or business that provides the greatest number of runners. Jones said the Moffat County High School wrestling team earned the honor at Wake the Whittler, and he hopes other groups will be eager to take on the competition.

For more information on the activities of the 5K, email info@moffatcountyeducation.org.

As part of the morning activities, the FMCE-funded bookmobile will be available after the race to provide reading materials for children. Also, Love INC of the Yampa Valley will be in attendance to collect donations of school supplies for the Aug. 15 Back-to-School Fair.

Donations of the following are welcome:

New backpacks

Crayons (24-pack)

Colored pencils (12-pack)

Washable markers (12-pack)

Pencils

Loose-leaf notebook paper

Three-ring binders (1-inch)

Spiral notebooks

Tissues

Scissors

Pencil sharpeners

Rulers

Glue

Erasers

Watercolor paints

Pens (blue, red or black)

Typing paper

Sticky notes

Two-pocket folders

Clorox wipes

Small calculators

Gently used, clean children’s clothing