Registration is now open for Colton’s Main Street Run scheduled for Oct. 20. The Run is held in memory of Colton Sherrill, son of Trace and Dena Sherrill.

The 10-year old athlete and Main Street volunteer passed away four years ago while playing basketball from an unknown heart defect.

This will be the third year for the event and funds are targeted for community projects, scholarships to local students, purchase and training of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training for local schools. Currently, 13 AEDs have been purchased for Durant schools, the City of Durant, and Bennington Schools. They have also trained 302 teachers and support staff have been trained. According to the Sherrills, plans are to train all teachers and coaches county-wide.

“I was so fond of Colton as a student and I feel this run is a way to remember him. Not only is the money raised impacting our community in so many ways, but Colton’s Run brings Durant citizens together unlike any other event,” said Beth Robinson, run volunteer.

“The success of last year’s Run was beyond our expectations,” said Beverly Hemphill, Durant Main Street Manager.” More than 600 runners participated last year and volunteer participation was over the top to help coordinate this special event to honor one our youngest volunteers.”

Hemphill encouraged runners to register early and asked volunteers to give her a call at (580)924-1660 to let her know their area of interest. Corporate sponsorships of $1,000, $500 and $250 are also available and memorial donations may be made at any time. She also said persons interested in providing entertainment along the race route are also encouraged to contact her.

For the 5K and 10K, pre-registrations are $20 per runner. For the one-mile fun run/walk and members of School Cross Country Teams, registration is $10 per runner. Pre-registration deadline is midnight October 16. A $5 late fee will be applied after the deadline and registrations will be taken on race day.

Pre-registrations may be made on line at www.coltonsrun.com or mailed and postmarked by October 16 to Colton’s Main Street Run, P. O. Box 928, Durant, OK 74702.

“Colton’s Run has become my family’s annual Fall Break tradition now. We just love the cause, the people, the camaraderie, and the entire spirit of the event. Colton’s Run was my first 5k, and my three daughters quickly evolved from disinterested observers the first year to walking the one mile in 2011,” said Diana Force, Okmulgee. “This year, our entire family is running in the 5K and we are excited about crossing the finish line together.”