On April 17, more than 120 people gathered at Selma High School to participate in the third annual Butterflies and Bridges run.

Even though the start time was early, all the participants had smiles as they prepared for either the 2-mile or 8-kilometer run.

Some of the runners were there to prepare for a marathon, while some spent a Saturday morning with family, but all were there to support the Selma City Schools and its athletic department.

The event has grown in the past three years, and moved from Memorial Stadium to downtown, but the goals have remained the same: raise money to help the school’s less funded sporting programs while promoting caring for bodies through exercise.

Even though this year’s run was well attended, it would be nice to see more of the younger faces that this race benefits at the event next year.

Members of the teams that this money helps should be running along with the participants helping keep their chances to play sports alive.

Maybe by allowing the people to see the faces the race benefits, there can be even better participation in the future.