By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur
LAPLACE – The Fellowship of Christian Athletes “Run for the Son” race will be held under slightly different circumstances than usual this year, but event director Gary Zeringue hopes to see the annual run continue to build upon the success it’s had in recent years.
The run was originally scheduled to be held March 23, but an unexpected illness suffered by Zeringue in the week leading up to the Run for the Son necessitated his pushing it back. The event is set to be held this Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m.
Usually, the run has been looked at as a “tune up” for the annual Crescent City Classic, which traditionally is held a week later. 
“We’re in new territory,” said Zeringue.
Typically, the run has had around 200 preregistered participants, with about 75 walk-up entries the day of the event, said Zeringue. This year, the run has about 100 preregistered entries, and he hopes this week will push that number close to the usual mark.
“If so, we’ll be right on target,” he said.
The Run for the Son festivities are centered around two races: a 5K race (beginning at 8 a.m.) and a one mile fun run/walk (beginning at 8:30). The run will begin and end at St. Charles Catholic’s high school campus.
This year’s race will be held in honor of two St. Charles alumni who are waging a battle with cancer: David Lowry and Harley Scioneaux. Lowry graduated in the SCC class of 1983 and led the Comet softball teams to two state runner-up finishes as head coach. Scioneaux is a member of the Class of 2010 and currently attends the University of Louisiana-Monroe, where he is a member of the Warhawks football team after a standout run at tight end with the Comets.
“There are many other St. Charles alumni that have battled cancer. But Harley and David are two that, right now, are at the peak of their challenge,” said Zeringue.
Saturday will mark the 13th annual Run for the Son.
Zeringue said that when the race started, it was contested by mostly high school athletes. That’s changed.
“We’ve got a six-year old who’s registered now. In the past, we’ve had them as young as four and five-year olds, all the way up to people in their 80’s,” said Zeringue. “That’s what I’m most excited about. This has truly become a family event that everyone can participate in, from elementary school children to their grandparents.”
Registration for the event cost $15 for adults, $12 for college and high school students and $10 for youths (elementary school or lower).
Along with participation, the fee covers an event T-shirt, food, drinks and a chance at winning some post-event door prizes.
Zeringue noted that typically, everything is wrapped up before noon, leaving participants to the rest of their weekend.
“It doesn’t even tie you up for half a day,” said Zeringue. “And then you’re free to head to anything else you have planned for a Saturday.”