With the fourth annual Butterflies and Bridges run set for Saturday, organizers have been encouraged with the recent upswing in early registrations.

“I feel a lot better now than I did two weeks ago,” event organizer Bill Potter said. “We have really got a lot more people signed up in the last couple of weeks and I hear all the time from people that are planning on signing up.”

One reason for the increase in registration is help from Dallas County schools, said Selma High School athletic director Patrick Evans.

“We have had great support from schools across the area,” Evans said. “I have been told that groups from Dallas County, Southside and Concordia are going to participate.”

The event begins Saturday at 6:30 a.m. with on-site registration for one hour leading up to the start of the race at 8 a.m.

Registration and sponsorship proceeds from the event go to benefit the Selma High School athletic organization and city schools that are listed upon registration.

Evans said the money raised goes a long ways for the schools.

“It helps us to complete the year and finalize all the expenses for the year,” Evans said. “It really helps us during the summer as well by allowing players to go to different camps and coaches to go to meetings. It’s just a great way to help the program out.”

The competition appears to be wide open on the women’s side of the event, with last year’s winner not in attendance.

Tony Johnson, who has won the men’s division the past two years, will again be competing, but Potter said he hopes to see others challenge him.

“Tony is tough to beat,” Potter said. “I don’t know if there is anyone in Selma who can beat him, but I expect us to have a competitive field.”