The Ray Knight Program, named after longtime Central Valley running coach Ray Knight, selected students through their high school coaches to receive free race entries, transportation, and new running shoes.
"For Ray Knight to support our community and our athletes, sometimes they don't have these opportunities," said Johnny Sanchez, the Roosevelt High School track coach. "For them to support us and this community, we feel really blessed."
One of the schools involved is Roosevelt High, where students will run the 5K race.
For freshman Galdino Estevez, it's his first race.
"I'm trying to get a good PR (personal record)," Estevez said.
Knight, who leads the Sierra Challenge Express running group, visited Roosevelt's practice this week to encourage the athletes.
His goal: show students how far running can take them.
"It creates a special energy," Knight said. "Hopefully these kids will carry that on, and when I'm long gone, they'll remember that this was the program that got them going."
With nearly 50 students participating this year, organizers are already planning to expand the program in 2026, giving even more young runners the chance to cross the finish line.
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