Participants in the Alexis Thompson Memorial 10K/5K relay not only keep Alexis’ memory alive by running but also help to raise money for what Alexis cared about most: the children of Clark County.

The third annual race begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at First Church of God, 2500 Colby Road. Registration for the race opens at 6:30 a.m. and continues until about 7:30 a.m. Registration is $40 for teams or $30 for individuals. So far, nearly 90 people have registered early for the race.

The money raised by the race will be used to help the family resource centers at elementary schools in the county to provide children with whatever they need.

Whitney Thompson, Alexis’ father, said many of the proceeds help to fund feeding programs, scholarships through Upward, back-to-school clothes, scholarships for camps, Christmas gifts, shoes and more.

Alexis was 19 when she died in a car accident in May 2016. The idea for the 5K came from Alexis’ mother, Vicki, Whitney told The Sun previously.

Whitney said Alexis always liked helping children whether it be through Jesus Prom, at camps, in the schools, on mission trips and more.

“That was where her heart was,” Whitney said. “So, it’s where we wanted to turn our attention to.”

Whitney said since starting the race three years ago, they have raised nearly $35,000 to help children in the community. He said they hope to reach $50,000 in the coming years.

“The community has been awesome to us,” he said. “We’ve been greatly supported ever since Alexis died … Everyone has opened their arms for us since Alexis passed. And this our way to give back to the community.”

Whitney said he and Vicki are thankful for the way the community has rallied around them.

“We’ve been blessed to live here even with this tragedy in our lives,” Whitney said. “The community has supported us and got us through.”