A September tradition in Elizabethton is right around the bend.

Team Wandell recently announced that the sixth annual Race For Wandell is now set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 10 a.m. on the East Side Elementary School campus.

Race For Wandell is a benefit for former East Side Principal Dr. Josh Wandell, who was diagnosed with ALS in June 2013. Over the years, the “Faith over Fear” motto has rang true across the country with hundreds making their way to the area to participate in the state’s first certified 3K race. For those not wanting to race competitively, a fun walk/run is scheduled to take place the same day at 10:30 a.m.

When it comes time to organize each race, Kelly Geagley, event organizer and Josh’s uncle, can’t help but to break a smile when it comes to watching the community come together.

“I feel like I say this every year, but we had record-breaking numbers when it comes to sponsors,” Geagley said Tuesday.

A variety of community agencies and members of the public help make the race possible each year, according to Geagley. For 2018, the installment of Race For Wandell has 48 paid sponsors and 22 in-kind sponsors helping make the event a reality.

“This couldn’t be done without the sponsors,” Geagley said. “I can’t say enough about the community. Each year, we’ve been able to see the numbers grow. We’re excited to see the record amount of sponsors and now our goal is to see a record crowd in September.”

Sponsors are also recognized on the popular Race For Wandell t-shirt. Each year, a specially-designed shirt is created to commemorate each race, and this year’s is now on sale at the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce.

Geagley added 1,000 shirts are produced for each race season. All participants are given a shirt for when they participate, but shirts are also for sale for those wanting to support for the cause.

“I really can’t say enough about the Chamber of Commerce,” Geagley said. “Without them, I would be running around, dropping off shirts. They have been such a great partner and we appreciate everything they do.”

Race participants can register either by visiting https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Elizabethton/RaceforWandell or by visiting the Chamber office during regular business hours.

“Our goal now is to register as many as we can for the race,” Geagley said. “We’ll be setting up at the Elizabethton High School football games and different areas over the weekend.”

Currently, Geagley added there are over 15 registered races spanning seven different states, giving the race a national feel.

And Geagley was also quick to thank everyone involved with Team Wandell. The group of Josh’s friends and family are always out and about competing in different races with Josh, as they push him in a custom wheelchair, and help promote the event via social media. And the racing bug runs rampant through the group. Josh and other members of Team Wandell are Guinness World Record holders, going the distance in a recent race in Virginia Beach. Updates on Race For Wandell activity can be viewed on the Team Wandell Facebook page.

Another addition to this year’s event will be an auction, Geagley added.

“We had a lady from a church call in and ask about an auction and if she could set one up,” he said. “It’s just incredible to see how everyone comes together.”

All proceeds raised during the event go to support the Wandell family’s medical expenses.