On Friday, more than 300 participants from Wyman Elementary School and St. Peter Tri-Parish School in Warwick, as well as from Rhodes Elementary School in Cranston, will take part in a 5k fundraiser for the schools at Pawtuxet Park. The race will begin at the Aspray Boathouse at 6 p.m. and will be followed by an outing at the park, featuring food trucks, donated beer kegs from I.M. Gamm and live music courtesy of Cranston’s School of Rock. All proceeds will go to the three schools.

“We started this two years ago at Wyman,” said Kristine Polichetti, a member of the Wyman PTA. “We were trying to figure out ways to raise money for the PTA, but we wanted something that was community-oriented.”

Polichetti said she had never done a 5k before, but she was able to connect with Ray Nelson, who lives in the area and is certified to measure course distances for the 5k.

Polichetti said the race has really taken off since its inception. Having already established a partnership in doing a historic walking tour together, it was easy for St. Peter to jump on board.

“It took off from there,” Polichetti said. “Rhodes wanted to get in on it.”

With Rhodes located nearby, “just over the bridge in Pawtuxet,” Polichetti said the kids at Wyman play with the kids from Rhodes and they are all friendly with one another.

The race has been quite successful. Although this will be the first year that Rhodes participates, Polichetti said Wyman and St. Peter were each able to raise nearly $4,000 last year.

“We didn’t set a [fundraising] goal this year because with three schools involved, we weren’t sure how many would participate, but whatever we make will be a plus,” Polichetti said. “We raised money through sponsorships to pay for the race, so everyone that participates is profit for the schools.”

Polichetti said the funds will be put to good use.

“At Wyman, money has gone to special after school programs; bringing in guests for Reading Week such as Len Cabral, who the kids love; field trips; purchasing technology; and different programs, such as a talent show for the kids,” she said.

Polichetti said 300 are participating already and she anticipates more.

“We have a mix of young, old, super fast runners like last year’s winner that finished the race in 15 minutes,” she said. “We have all different levels and all different ages.”

Polichetti said there was enough money to award prizes for top place finishes this year: $100 for the first male and female to finish, $75 for the second male and female, and $50 for the third male and female.

“We also have trophies and ribbons for the kids that finish,” she said.

Polichetti said a lot of work goes into planning and organizing the event, which starts in January or February gathering the money and setting the date.

“It takes quite a bit of time and I wouldn’t be able to do this without the help of so many. We get help from all the schools,” she said. “I would especially like to recognize Jen Carney, Toni Andersen, Kate Mott, and Christine Desmaris, who is a teacher at St. Peter.”

Polichetti said she even gets help from the kids, such as making T-shirts.

“The kids are participating and helping out, it’s win-win,” she said.

Polichetti said the race was moved to a Friday to minimize clashing with other events in the area.

“We’ll have food, beer, live music; it will be a happening time of socializing and getting together,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun. The kids and families love it.”