Saturday is the big day, as runners will begin lacing up their shoes for the eighth annual Butterflies and Bridges 8K-race and two-mile fun run.

The run is scheduled to begin Saturday morning beside Selma High School at 8 a.m.

Around 100 racers have registered thus far, but with a goal of around 150 competitors, race coordinator Bill Potter said he is still hoping more will sign up.

“I think a lot of people are worried about the weather and what the weather might bring, but we’re doing pretty good,” Potter said. “We’ve got some nice looking shirts that we’ll give to all the participants, and we’ve got plenty of prizes.”

The event is a fundraiser for the Selma City Schools athletic department, which is self-funded through event gate receipts, student athlete fees and fundraisers like the race.

Although not as many people have signed up for the race as Potter was hoping for thus far, he said he was pleased with the way the fundraising has gone so far.

“We’ve met our [$4,000] fundraising goal for this year, so now we just need to get another 40 or 50 people, at least that many, registered between now and the start of the race,” Potter said. “We’re looking forward to all the people that might show up. They all seem to have a good time.”

Winners of the race could have a pretty good pay out too. First place will take home $100, while second will pocket $50 and third $25. First place for runners under 19 will also be awarded with $75.

In addition to the winners’ prizes, there will be drawings after the race to award participants with gift certificates and prizes donated from local businesses.

“I’ve been out the last couple of days rounding up gift certificates for our drawing,” Potter said. “As a race director, there’s just a lot of loose ends to tie up and make sure we’ve got the course marked and that we have volunteers ready for registration and keep an eye on the sky and hope the weather is nice and not too hot and not too wet.”

With the race only a day away, Potter said it’s nice to see everything begin to line up, and he’s looking forward to seeing everyone participate and have a good time.

“It really feels good [to see everything come together],” Potter said. “It’s nice to see people out [running the day of the race]. You see a lot of smiling faces and happy participants and people that didn’t think they could but find out that it’s not really that big a deal. And it’s fun, we have fun.”

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 dropping off forms and checks at Vaughan Wellness and Fitness Center or the YMCA of Selma, Dallas County.

No refunds will be given as the race will occur rain or shine.