Runners around Selma and Dallas County are lacing up their shoes and trimming down their times in preparation for the 6th annual Butterflies and Bridges 8K Competitive Race, benefiting the Selma City Schools Athletic Department.

The annual race will be held Saturday, April 20, and will begin outside Selma High School at 8 a.m. Runners will weave through historic downtown and over the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Bill Potter, race coordinator, said he is expecting large numbers for this year’s run.

“Last year we raised a little over $3,000 for the athletic department and this year we’re hoping to reach $5,000,” Potter said.

The run has always benefited the Selma City Schools Athletic Department, Potter explained, because keeping kids involved in extracurricular activities — like sports — translates into better grades in the classroom.

“One of the things that we’ve learned over the past few years is that student athletes seem to perform better academically than the student body at large,” Potter said. “So our motto is, ‘Keeping Sports and Education Together.’”

Specifically, Potter said Selma City Schools is hoping to gain enough funds to purchase a pitching machine for their baseball and softball teams. Also, the department is currently in need of funds to support summer youth sports camps.

“The athletic department is supposed to be self-supporting, which means they don’t get support through the school district so everything they do they have to pay for,” Potter said. “So this is just supporting the athletic department in general.”

Aside from benefiting a worthy cause, the run will also include cash prizes for the top three male and female with the fastest times in the 8K competition. First place will receive $100, second place will receive $50 and third place $25. A bonus prize of $100 will be given to those who set new record times for the race. The best time for the men is currently 27 minutes and 24 seconds while the record for females is 39 minutes and 49 seconds.

A 2K fun run/walk will also be held.

Registration forms are available at Vaughan Wellness and Fitness Center and the YMCA. Residents can also register online at selmacitysports.com

Pre-registration, before April 15, is $7 for children 13 and under and $15 for those 14 and older. Race-day registration is $10 for ages 13 and under and $20 for 14 and older.

“We’re looking for a good competitive race,” Potter said. “I encourage the whole community to participate.”