As temperatures continues to rise outside, so does the anticipation for the eighth annual Butterflies and Bridges Run.

The run, to be held Saturday, April 18, is an 8K-race and 2-mile fun run or walk set to begin at Selma High School at 8 a.m.

Organizers say the event gives community members a way to give back to city schools’ athletics while having fun and getting some exercise.

“It’s a fundraiser for the Selma City Schools athletic department. It’s just one of the few that they do,” said race coordinator Bill Potter. “This is a chance for us to do something from the community.”

The athletic department is self-funded through event gate receipts, student athlete fees and fundraisers like the run.

“The students in the past have always done a real good job of participating,” Potter said. “We’re getting more and more people from the community starting to participate.”

Last year, approximately 150 people raced in the competition and Potter said he is hoping for between 150 and 200 participants this go around.

So far, about 50 people have preregistered, but Potter said that doesn’t worry him because people tend to wait until closer to the event to register.

“Everyone always seems to wait until the last week or two to register,” Potter said. “We encourage everyone to come out.”

Because of school testing that Saturday, registration will not be held inside the school’s lobby and instead will take place inside the gym. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. in the Selma High School Gymnasium and continues until 7:30 a.m.

Same-day registration is $20 for those age 14 and older and $10 for anyone younger.

Preregistration is $15 for anyone 14 and up and $7 for anyone younger. People can preregister by sending checks to Selma City Schools Athletic Department, 2180 Broad St., Selma, AL 36701, or dropping off forms and checks at Vaughan Wellness and Fitness Center or the YMCA of Selma, Dallas County.

No refunds as the race will occur rain or shine.

“Whether you do the two-mile or the 8K, we have a lot of fun and we laugh a little bit. It gives everybody that wants to the chance to run over the Edmund Pettus Bridge and back,” Potter said. “Even if they can’t do the two-mile walk or the 8K run, come out and cheer on the runners. It’s always nice to have fans out there and a little noise as you’re running along.”