Manassas Park students and teachers are already looking ahead to warmer days and the annual Cougar Literacy Run and Health & Wellness Fair this spring.

The literacy run is a yearly event that involves the betterment of body and mind for students, their families and all of Manassas Park.

This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, May 5, said Audrey Baldwin, coordinator of the event.

The health and wellness fair is in its seventh year, while the 5K portion of the event is in its sixth year.

The day starts at 7:59 a.m. with the Cougar Literacy 5K Run/Walk where prizes and medals will be awarded.

Later that morning, Manassas Park Elementary and Cougar Elementary School students who met their reading goals will run a 1-mile loop near the school.

When the races are over, Manassas Park families will be able to attend the health and wellness event and learn about family literacy, community involvement, the importance of physical activity from event vendors.

All proceeds go to support home-school reading connections and to promote literacy among Manassas Park City Schools students. 

Baldwin said event organizers are now looking for sponsors and donors for the run and fair. Interested persons and businesses can email Baldwin with questions and information at literacyrun@mpark.net.

For more information regarding the run, visit mpark.net, then click on "schools" -> Manassas Park Elementary School -> Cougar Literacy 5K.