Runners, walkers and pepperoni roll lovers will have another reason to head to Veterans Memorial Park this fall as one of Clarksburg’s unique annual traditions returns for its seventh year.

The Clarksburg Children’s House Montessori School is preparing to host the 7th Annual Clarksburg Pepperoni Roll 5K on Saturday, October 3rd, beginning at 9 a.m. The family-friendly event will bring together exercise, local food and community fun while raising money to support the nonprofit school located in Glen Elk.

The race will take participants on two laps around the trail at Veterans Memorial Park, beginning and ending near the Freedom Shelter across from the Splash Zone pool.

The Clarksburg Children’s House started the race in 2019 as a fundraiser for the school and as a way to celebrate Clarksburg’s connection to one of West Virginia’s most recognizable foods.

Since then, the event has continued to grow. Last year, more than 200 runners and Fun Run participants registered, helping the school raise nearly $15,000. Money raised through the event helps support scholarships, classroom materials, staff training and other needs at the school.

Dawn Woodburn, head of school at The Clarksburg Children’s House, said the event has become an important fundraiser for the school while also providing an opportunity to bring families and the community together.

“Money raised from this years event goes directly into our TCCH Scholarship fund. This fund includes scholarships that help families with the cost of tuition and supplies. Our mission will always be to help families be able to afford this type of education that is typically much more expensive in other parts of the country,” Woodburn said.

For Woodburn, seeing the event return for its seventh year is especially meaningful as the school continues to rely on community support and fundraising to supplement tuition. Woodburn also said participation has continued to increase each year, something she credits in part to the family-friendly atmosphere organizers have worked to create.

“As a small, non-profit school, we need to utilize outside fundraising in order to remain operational as tuition alone does not keep us fluid. We have several anchor events that we do throughout the year, and this event has grown tremendously since its inception. We have continued to welcome more and more participants each year and the feedback we have received is that families like to participate because the event is well organized and fun. As our school has grown so have our community footprint and we are excited to use our annual 5K as a way to encourage families to exercise and enjoy nature together in addition to helping us reach part of our financial need for the school year.”

The event’s pepperoni roll theme also has a special connection to Clarksburg and North Central West Virginia.

“Clarksburg has been referred to has the Pepperoni Roll capital of WV (and perhaps even the world). Pepperoni rolls are ingrained in the culture here in North Central West Virginia and we wanted a way to celebrate the wonderful businesses here in Clarksburg that offer a wonderful variety of pepperoni rolls,” Woodburn said.

Those planning to participate will have an extra incentive to register early. Runners who register by September 14th will receive a free race T-shirt featuring the famous running pepperoni rolls designed by West Virginia artist Liz Pavlovic.

Runners registered by Sept. 14 will also be guaranteed a commemorative race medal handmade and donated by Florence Fired Pottery, located right here in Harrison County. A limited number of additional medals will be available to those registering after Sept. 14 while supplies last, but they are not guaranteed.

The 5K won’t be the only race of the morning. The Kid’s Mini Pepperoni Roll Fun Run will return for its third year, giving children ages 12 and younger a chance to join in the fun immediately following the 5K at approximately 10 a.m.

The Fun Run was created in honor of Jennifer Brazier, one of the founding directors of The Clarksburg Children’s House. The short, dash-style race will take place in a blocked-off area near the Freedom Shelter and is designed to give younger participants their own opportunity to cross the finish line.

Registration for the Fun Run is required, although the race will not be chip timed. Children registered by Sept. 14 will receive an exclusive Fun Run T-shirt and a prize for participating.

Those who aren’t planning to run are still encouraged to come out and be part of the event. Community members can line the course, bring signs and cheer on participants while enjoying the activities planned throughout the morning.

And for an event named after the pepperoni roll, there will be no shortage of the West Virginia staple.

This year, Blessed and Grounded food truck will join the event, along with This & That Bakery and a variety of locally made pepperoni rolls available for purchase before, during and after the race. D’Annunzio’s Bakery will also have pepperoni rolls available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the school.

Participants will also get an extra taste of the event thanks to support from local businesses. Tomaro’s Bakery is donating bags of its mini pepperoni rolls for the 5K winners, while Almost Heaven Desserts is providing a free, freshly made pepperoni roll for every 5K participant to enjoy in the runner’s welcome bag.

The event is designed with families in mind. Children ages 12 and younger are welcome to run or walk the 5K alongside a parent or guardian for free. However, only children officially registered for the 5K will receive a T-shirt, medal and chip timing.

Runners can pre-register for the 5K and Kid’s Fun Run through The Clarksburg Pepperoni Roll 5K (click link), with race-day registration also available. Pre-registration is encouraged, particularly for participants hoping to secure this year’s race merchandise and handmade medal.

A virtual 5K option will also be available for supporters who want to participate but are unable to attend the race in person.

All proceeds from the event will benefit The Clarksburg Children’s House Montessori School, which serves children from age 2 through first grade and provides scholarships for families needing financial assistance.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting the race and the school’s fundraising efforts. Those interested in becoming a sponsor or making a donation can contact The Clarksburg Children’s House at newtcchfriend@gmail.com.

With the return of the Kid’s Mini Pepperoni Roll Fun Run, handmade race medals, new food options, local vendors and plenty of pepperoni rolls planned, the seventh annual event will offer the community another chance to spend a Saturday morning together while supporting local education.

More information about the race, registration and upcoming announcements can be found through the Clarksburg Pepperoni Roll 5K Facebook page and https://runsignup.com/Race/WV/Clarksburg/TheClarksburgPepperoniRoll5k