Wright returns to Signal as Run for Education's celebrity guest March 17

The Mountain Education Foundation is gearing up for its annual Run for Education fundraiser to be held Saturday, March 17, and preparing to host celebrity runner Phoebe Wright on the heels of her racing in the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.

photo Signal Mountain native Phoebe Wright finishes a race in 2010.

The Nike-sponsored professional runner from Signal Mountain broke the two-minute barrier for the 800-meter race at the 2010 Prefontaine Classic with a career-best time of 1:58.22, the seventh fastest time of the year. While at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Wright won the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships and was also a five-time SEC champion three times in the 800-meter race and twice in the Distance Medley Relay.

"We're just super excited she's able to come back," said MEF Executive Director Mike Taylor. "Running is not always in the spotlight, and I don't think people realize what she's been able to accomplish - and competing at that level."

Registration for the race begins at 7 a.m. and the 8k fun run and walk starts in front of Signal Mountain Middle/High School at 8:30 a.m. The late registration fee is $25, and all participants will receive a free T-shirt while supplies last.

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