HUNTER CHRISTOPHER

SALEM — Youngstown State University track and cross country star Hunter Christopher will serve as the honorary starter for the annual Star Trax 5K night run set for Aug. 2.

Christopher, a Salem High School grad, recently competed in the 5,000-meter run at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

“We’re excited to have him,” Salem X-Tra Mile Club president Scott Yakubek said. “He’s been a good mentor for our kids and he’s always there to cheer them on and give them advice. We’re glad he’s a Quaker.”

The race will begin at 9 p.m. at Sebo Stadium and will also end there. Last year 350 people participated. Yakubek said he is expecting to exceed that this year.

The event supports Salem cross country and track programs.

“It’s one of our bigger fundraisers for the year,” Yakubek said.

Yakubek said the X-Tra Mile Club helps with things like equipment costs, shoes for those who can’t afford them and registration fees.

Registration runs from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Entry fee is $20 at gopherarun.com if registered by Thursday. Online registration ends on July 30. Day of race registration is $25.

A T-shirt is guaranteed if registered by July 25.

There will be 72 awards given including the top three overall male and female finishers as well as the first three places in each age group.

There are 12 age groups in total.