Cole Borges Moon & Stars 5k

Register early to guarantee your event shirt! Join us for the Cole Borges Moon and Stars 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run Location: Mere Sports Complex3625 Caverns RoadMarianna, FL 32446 About the EventThe Cole Borges Memorial Scholarship Fund invites you to join us for the Cole BorgesMoon & Stars 5K Run/Walk, an evening dedicated to honoring Cole’s memory whilehelping students pursue their educational dreams. Event Schedule6:30 PM – Registration7:30 PM – 5K Run/Walk Begins Registration Fees$35 – Registration through August 31, 2026(Includes an event t-shirt with pre-registration)$40 – Registration beginning September 1, 2026 through race dayImportant: Race shirts are guaranteed only to participants who register by August 31,2026. A limited number of additional shirts may be available on race day while supplieslast. Food trucks and vendors will be on site throughout the event. For sponsorship information or questions, please contact:Stacy Borges(850) 573-1990ColeBorgesMoonAndStars@gmail.com The Story Behind the Scholarship FundMy name is Stacy Borges, and I am Cole’s mother. Glen, Coles father, and our sonsJon-Alan and Alex, and I would like to thank you for allowing us the opportunity to shareCole’s story and the purpose behind the scholarship fund established in his memory.Cole, passed away in January 2023. He was 15 years old, a sophomore at MariannaHigh School, and enrolled in honors classes. Cole had been a dedicated cross-country runner since sixth grade and developed a passion for soccer during high school, playingon the JV team during both his freshman and sophomore years. Cole was an extraordinary young man. He touched countless lives through hiskindness, compassion, and generosity. He was a goal-setter, a loyal friend, andsomeone who always looked for ways to help others. After his passing, our familylearned just how many people he had impacted through his encouragement, friendship,and selfless acts of kindness. Cole was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church and actively participated in the youthgroup. He served as an altar server for more than seven years and received theSacrament of Confirmation just months before his passing. His faith was an importantpart of who he was. Cole dreamed of serving his country through the military, but he had recently begunfocusing on attending college and earning a degree. Like many teenagers, he was stilldiscovering exactly what path he wanted to pursue. One thing Cole understood well was the importance of helping others. He volunteeredwhenever he could, whether through school, church, community projects, or helping hisfriends and family. He never complained and always understood the value of givingback. Cole also understood the value of education and the financial challenges many studentsface when pursuing their dreams. Because of Cole’s love for helping others, our family knew we wanted his legacy tocontinue. We established the Cole Borges Memorial Scholarship Fund to assistgraduating seniors as they pursue higher education, whether through a traditionalcollege, university, technical school, or trade program. Why the Moon & Stars 5K?Cole loved running and had a fascination with the stars. To honor those passions, wecreated the annual Cole Borges Moon & Stars 5K Run/Walk. Held in the evening under the night sky, the event serves as a reminder that while Coleis no longer physically with us, his light continues to shine through the lives he touchedand through every student who receives support from this scholarship fund. Why We Moved the Race to SeptemberBeginning in 2026, we made the decision to move the Cole Borges Moon & Stars 5KRun/Walk to September in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month. While our scholarship fund was created to honor Cole's generous spirit and passion forhelping others achieve their dreams, we also recognize the importance of continuing theconversation about mental health and suicide prevention. Cole's story reminds us that struggles are not always visible. Too often, those who arehurting carry their burdens silently. By holding our event during Suicide PreventionMonth, we hope to bring greater awareness to the importance of mental health,encourage meaningful conversations, and remind others that they are never alone.Our goal is not only to raise scholarship funds for deserving students but also to honorCole by encouraging compassion, understanding, and connection within ourcommunities. Every runner, walker, volunteer, sponsor, and donor who participates in this event helpsus continue Cole's legacy while spreading a simple but powerful message:Check on your friends. Check on your family. Check on those you care about.Sometimes a conversation can change a life.Together, we can make a difference—one step, one scholarship, and one act ofkindness at a time. Our Scholarship ProgramScholarships are available to graduating seniors residing in: Jackson County Washington County Holmes County Calhoun County We proudly support students attending: Colleges and Universities Technical Schools Vocational Programs Trade SchoolsWe believe skilled trades are essential to our communities, and we are committed to supporting students pursuing those careers as well. Since its creation, the scholarship fund has awarded thousands of dollars to deservingstudents throughout our area. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, runners,and volunteers, we continue to expand our impact each year. How You Can HelpWe invite individuals, families, and businesses to become part of Cole’s legacy by: Sponsoring the Moon & Stars 5K Making a direct donation to the scholarship fund Sharing information about the event Displaying event flyers in local businesses Participating in the race as a runner or walker Registering as a donation-only participant Every dollar raised goes directly toward helping local students pursue their educationalgoals. Thank you for your support, generosity, and belief in our mission. Together, we arekeeping Cole’s memory alive by helping others achieve their dreams.With gratitude,Stacy, Glen, Jon-Alan & Alex Borges Mental Health AwarenessAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide remainsone of the leading causes of death among young people in the United States.The warning signs are not always obvious.If you see something, say something. Reach out. Check in. Listen.#CheckOnYourFriends