Dwyer High students 'Running for a Reason'

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - They are already dedicated to the sport of cross country and now the Dwyer High School girls team is taking their dedication a step further.

A few years ago there were hardly enough girls to have a cross country team at the school.

These days there is a stampede of runners; 30 members who have run their way to the top.

"They have won conference, district and they are just doing amazing," explains Coach Meisha Richards.

They are now taking their dedication a stride further.

"We want to give back to the community," adds runner Nikita Machak.

They are calling it 'Run for a Reason.'

"We have raised about $2,500 so far right now with our whole team and we are working hard to get even more," says runner Patterson McDulin.

On Saturday they will take on an event they created; a 26.2 mile relay marathon.

"I am a little nervous," adds Richards.

It's all in the  name of charity. A portion of the money they've raised from pledges and donations will be given to 'Place of Hope', a faith-based foster care program out of Palm Beach Gardens.

"It says we are really dedicated to cross country and giving back," explains McDulin.

The rest of the money will fund a Nike running camp for the entire team to head to this coming summer.

This is just one way they hope to leave their footprint in our community and they say they have more plans to lend a hand, or foot, in the future.