Flat Rock Middle School teachers Greg Henry (L) and Matt Foley prepare for the first annual Great Pumpkin Race to be held Saturday, October 13. The race is a cooperative effort between Sandy Creek and Flat Rock in an effort to raise money for technology services in both schools.

Flat Rock Middle School and Sandy Creek High School have joined forces in an effort to raise money for technology services in both schools. The 1-mile walk and 5k walk/run that will take place on Saturday, October 13 has been organized by the faculty at both schools. The race will be held at the Sandy Creek High School cross country course. Warm-ups start at 7:30 a.m. and the one mile walk starts at 8:15 a.m. All participants will receive a t-shirt and awards will be given to the top three male and female winners of each age group in the 5k run.

Flat Rock Middle School principal Oatha Mann plans to participate in the race and organizers have challenged their students and teachers to try to "beat the Mann." Flat Rock is also offering some healthy incentives to bump up race participation among students. The student who registers the most racers will win an Ipod.

"We are really looking forward to race day and we hope it will become an annual event," says Flat Rock History teacher Matt Foley, one of the race organizers. "We have seen tremendous support from the parents, students and faculty in our community. It's exciting to see two schools join together for one mission. There are so many things we can accomplish when the community comes together in this way. This walk/run is just one example."

Anyone interested in joining the race can contact Linda Foley at the Flat Rock Middle School office at 770-969-2830, ext. 231. The cost for participating is $20. Walk-up registration is also allowed the day of the race.