Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – The first ever Paving the Promise 5K, benefiting the Promise House, is scheduled to take place this weekend in Jonesboro.

As part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, 17-year-old Kyra Pratt of Jonesboro created, organized, and directed this charity 5K race to do her part to help the local nonprofit and her community.

Pratt said she must have a minimum of 80 hours on her project to be eligible for the Gold Award. She will achieve those hours by working on the 5K and directly with the Promise House to go over the financial details of the fundraiser.

The Promise House is a faith-based transitional recovery house for women in Northeast Arkansas, supported by the Southwest Church of Christ in Jonesboro.

“I chose to help the Promise House because I feel they are a very impactful organization in many people’s lives and their connection to Southwest Church,” Pratt said. “I also was very interested in learning what taking on a lead role in a charity 5K would be like. Throughout my running career I have participated in many 5Ks.” A Jonesboro High School senior, Pratt has run cross country and track for her school for six years.

The goal of this event is to raise about $5,000 for the local nonprofit, which needs multiple fundraisers to operate. Pratt also hopes this event will help foster a more active and healthy community.

“This whole process has taught me so many things about myself, while also introducing me to the skills needed to make connections and how the organization of big events work,” she said. “So far this has been a great experience.”

The race will be on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Southwest Church of Christ, located at 1601 James St. Packet pickup and race day registration will begin at 7:45 a.m. and the race will begin at 9 a.m.

Overall male and overall female winners will receive a $100 cash prize.

Registration is $35 for runners and $30 for spirit runners (not participating). To register online, visit Paving the Promise 5K on RunSignup. Registration ends Nov. 15, the day of the race, and participants can sign up at the event as well.

Early packet pickup will be Thursday, Nov. 13, from 4-7 p.m. at the Southwest Church of Christ.