BIDDEFORD — The largest field of runners yet will line up Saturday morning in Biddeford to compete in the Trot for Catholic Education 5K race, an annual event and fundraiser to benefit St. James School.

Proceeds from the race are used to keep tuition costs affordable and scholarships available for parents and families wishing to send their children to Catholic school. Sponsored by the St. James Parents Friends Teachers Association, the 5K race and family walk will surpass 100 participants for the first time ever this year and also includes a Kids Fun Run and activities for children following the event.

“This is truly becoming such a community event,” said St. James School Principal Nancy Naimey. “So many people in the community have attended Catholic schools when they were growing up and realize the wonderful education and nurturing atmosphere that St. James School offers to children.”

The 5K Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 outside the school at 25 Graham St. in Biddeford and the Fun Run for children ages 10 and under will follow at 10 a.m. Children’s activities will also be offered at the school’s playground until 11 a.m. Saturday.

Naimey said St. James School students appreciate the race because of its connection to health and fitness.

“Our school is a 5210 school and has won several Let’s GO! 5210 Gold School of Distinction Awards for promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy eating habits,” she said. “This race is an extension of that for our students.”

The 5210 program was established to curb childhood obesity and foster healthy habits in children and adults that can last a lifetime.

Mandy Greene is a St. James PFTA volunteer and parent that has been helping plan this year’s race and Kids Fun Run.

“I have young children that attend St. James School and I became involved with this after I saw a flyer and heard other parents talking about it,” Greene said. “I’ve been helping to promote registration, working on social media and with sponsors.”

Greene said it costs $20 to enter the 5K race and $5 for the Kids Fun Run.

The race will provide awards for the top finishers in various age groups and children participating in the Fun Run will receive a medal.

Naimey said St. James School students also have been busy preparing for the race, making posters, volunteering to help during the race or at a fundraising  Spaghetti Dinner at St. Joseph Church on Friday evening before the race and participating in a school-wide T-shirt design competition.

“The class with the most volunteers will receive a pizza party,” Naimey said.

Preregistration for the event is encouraged, but not required. To register, visit: www.runsignup.com/race/me/ biddeford/trotforcatholiceducation.

Onsite registration will begin at 7:30 a.m.

Race day packets will be available for pick-up at the Saint James School PFTA Spaghetti Supper 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2 at St. Joseph’s Church (in Biddeford) as well as onsite on race day after 7:30 a.m. Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the event should send an email to saintjamestrot@gmail.com.

St. James sixth-grader Henry Kenniston said he’ll be doing double-duty this weekend by volunteering to help out and running in the 5K race.

“My mom runs a lot and I’ll be running with her in the race,” he said.

Rose-Mary Blake, an eighth-grader and St. James School Student Council president, said she’ll be volunteering to set up games for children on the school playground.

“I’ll also handing out water to race participants and working at the spaghetti dinner on Friday night,” Blake said.

St. James sixth-grader Ayla Lagasse will be competing in this year’s 5K race without any practice.

“I have run in the race for the last two years and won’t need any preparation,” she said.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com