I’ve never been one of those people who would go running for enjoyment. I have been known to frequently share Facebook memes with quotes like, “If you see me running, you better run, too, because I’m being chased.”

I’ve always giggled at bumper stickers that say (0.0….. I don’t run.)

Marathon runners are crazy. Let’s be honest. The history of the marathon is based on a guy (Pheidippides) who DIED immediately after completing his run. And he didn’t even run a full 26.2 miles. He only ran 24.85 miles.

Why would anyone want to imitate that? I personally wouldn’t want to participate in an activity that rose to fame on the back of a guy who died doing it.

Then again, people die every day from doing every-day activities that I’ve participated in. I drive at least two hours every day. I’m sure there are statistics out there that prove more people have died in car wrecks than running accidents.

There are also many women who have died in childbirth — especially back in the 1800s when Pheidippides lived— and I’ve lived through birthing three offspring. But I digress.

Today, running is considered a great form of exercise. Have you ever seen a chubby runner? I haven’t.

You don’t have to run a marathon to be considered a “runner.” One-mile runs and 5K and 10K races are becoming more and more popular.

People are running every day, and most often it’s for a good cause. It isn’t hard to find a nearby color run, red dress run or run/walk for a cure.

One of the largest 5K races in St. John the Baptist parish is happening next weekend.

The 15th annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ “Run for the Son” 5K race and one-mile fun run/walk will be held Oct. 10 at St. Charles Catholic High School. The one mile fun run /walk will begin at 8 a.m. and the 5K race will follow at approximately 8:30 a.m. Both races begin and end at St. Charles Catholic High School.

For the first time in 15 years, the race will be held in the fall and will be a part of the 2015 SCC Homecoming activities Oct. 9 -10.

Awards and prizes will be given out after the race. Grand prize winners will be awarded for male and female categories. Winners in age categories will be awarded in the 5K race only. Prizes are also awarded to SCC students, faculty and alumni.

Entry forms are available at St. Charles Catholic High School and can be downloaded from stcharlescatholic.org. Entry forms are also available at Smoothie King of LaPlace, Curves and Anytime Fitness.

Entry fees are $15 for adults, $12 for college and high school students and $10 for elementary school children and lower. Runners and walkers can submit a $10 no T-shirt entry the day of the race.

All race participants receive an official race T-shirt and tickets for concessions and are eligible for door prizes at the awards ceremony.

All participants should arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the starting times for both races in order to complete registration.

For more information, contact Gary Zeringue at 985-652-3809.

Proceeds from the race benefit the St. Charles Catholic Fellowship of Christian Athletes and help finance local athletes’ expenses to national summer camps.

— By Courtney Griggs