Have you ever run with the Force? 

Friends of Music will host a Fun Run on Saturday, May 4 with a theme of “May The Fourth Be With You.” Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite “Star Wars” character.

The 5K will start off at West Delaware High School at 8 a.m. Walking, jogging, and running are all encouraged. Friends of Music will also serve a pancake breakfast that runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Registration for the Fun Run includes one ticket to the pancake breakfast and a t-shirt (if registered by April 13) for $35. Individual tickets for the pancake breakfast may also be purchased: $10 for adults, $6 for kids 5-12 years old, and free for children 4 and under. All sign up information can be found on the Friends of Music Facebook page.

Juli Sleper, a Friends of Music member, is helping organize the 5K. 

“It will be lots of fun, and it’s a great way to be part of the community,” Sleper said.

All of the money raised will reduce the cost for students participating in the 2026 music department trip to New York City.

Senior Ethan Grawe was one of many music students who traveled to the Big Apple this past summer for the 2023 New York City trip.

 “I don’t know when I’ll ever be in the middle of the city eating a dollar slice of pizza with all of my best friends again,” Grawe said.

Grawe feels that people should participate in this fundraiser to help out Friends of Music. “It will help future students have lifelong experiences with some of their closest friends,” Grawe said.

Sophomore Grace Sleper is one of the few students who gets to go a second time.

“The New York trip was by far my favorite trip I’ve been on,” Sleper said. “I am grateful to the Music Department and Friends of Music for providing me with opportunities to see music in such a big light. Fundraisers like this 5K are not only fun for those involved but also open doors for many.”

Junior Lili Shappell helped with last year’s 5K fundraiser. “I had a lot of fun running around and helping,” Shappell said. “It’s so great that something so fun helped lower the cost to go to New York.”