With the fourth annual Butterflies and Bridges run drawing ever closer to the start line, organizers are sprinting to get the final preparations ready.

The race, which benefits the Selma School System athletic programs, is set to begin April 16 at 6:30 a.m. in front of Selma High School. This year, the run also goes to benefit each school in the Selma School System.

“This is the first year we have (given money to individual schools),” event organizer Bill Potter said. “When people register, they can write the name of the school they represent and one dollar will be given to that school from each runner. If they make up over 10 percent of the total participants, then two dollars from each will be given.”

While planning and preparation for the event is going strong, Potter said the registration for the event is running a little slow.

“Last year we had twice as many signed up at this point,” Potter said. “Two weeks ago I wasn’t really worried, but now I am beginning to a little bit. I am a natural worrier though, I guess.”

Selma High athletic director Patrick Evans said he expected more than the 150 people who participated last year, but needs more support from the student-athletes for that to work.

“We need to get them and their parent on board,” Evans said. “We have support from the local community and all of the schools. We hope we can get some support from outside too. I know several of the county schools participated in and even won the art portion.”

Potter said even inexperienced runners have a place in the Butterflies and Bridges event.

“We have something for everyone,” Potter said. “For the hardcore runners, we have the 8K run. For those who don’t take running as seriously, we have the 2-mile fun run/walk that the whole family can participate with.”

All of the artwork that was submitted by area art students, who competed in the art contest, will be on display beginning Friday at the Selma-Dallas County Public Library. The Frame Shoppe and library partnered with organizers to display all of the artwork.

The art will be on display for two weeks.