The Owen J. Roberts (OJR) Bubble Run101, which benefits the OJR High School Best Buddies Club, took place on Nov. 9 at OJR High School. The community event, which was open to the public, featured a 5K race and 1-mile walk.

This is the 10th annual OJR fundraising run and walk, which has a different theme each year. In keeping with this year's theme, bubbles filled the air as participants made their way along the course, which began in Wildcat Stadium and traveled throughout the school campus. "Bubble marshals" were in charge of blowing bubbles at the runners and walkers as they passed.

Among those who took part in the 5K were members of RUN101 running clubs that are offered at each of the OJR School District elementary schools - West Vincent, East Vincent, East Coventry, North Coventry and French Creek. Run 101 is an after-school activity that promotes the sport of distance running to students in grades four through six.

"There were so many participants, volunteers and family members from around the local area (at this year's event)," said Meg Wrubel, who is co-adviser of the Best Buddies Club along with Megan Harpold. "We had approximately 140 runners and walkers participate in the event, over 75 volunteers and many other family members to cheer on the students."

The event was designed to raise money for the OJR High School Best Buddies Club, which has a goal of "promoting social inclusion amongst students with disabilities and typically developing students."

As part of the program, club members are paired with students with disabilities, who then enjoy social activities both at school and in the community. Students and their buddies take part in an annual bowling party and a holiday shopping trip followed by lunch.

A Match Party, featuring pizza and icebreaker games, is held at the beginning of the school year to mark the start of the program. "At the party, the buddies are 'matched' in a one-on-one social pair," said Wrubel.

The club currently has 215 members, many of whom volunteered during the recent run/walk. "Students were also stationed along the course to guide runners and to blow some bubbles along their path," Wrubel noted.

Other OJR high school clubs and athletic organizations that volunteered at the Bubble Run101 included the LEO Club, the wrestling team and the National Honor Society. Also providing support during the event were the OJR security team, various OJR administrators and teachers, Goodwill Ambulance and Ridge Fire Company.

Members of the OJR NJROTC Color Guard provided the flag salute, and OJR High School junior Kathleen Verbosh provided an a cappella version of the national anthem.

Attendees were also able to enjoy a photo booth provided by ROG Orthodontics and yard games, including cornhole. DJ Jojo Lorman offered music to motivate the runners and walkers, who were also given free water and snacks.

The Keystone Running Store in Pottstown provided first-, second- and third-place medals for the 5K winners. To view the list of 5K winners, visit http://www.runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pottstown/OJRRun101OJRSTRONG5K and select "Results."