Free 2 Teach is preparing for its largest community fundraiser of the year as runners and walkers lace up for the 2026 Paper Chase 5K on Saturday, Feb. 28.
The race, presented by the EZBO Foundation, will begin at 8 a.m. at Alabama Constitution Village. Proceeds support educators and students across Madison County and Limestone County’s five public school systems.
“This 5K brings together children, families, teachers, supporters, and friends of our organization to both honor the legacy of our co-founder Eula Battle and her incredible team, and to build to the future so that we can deepen impact on our public schools,” Free 2 Teach CEO Alison Kling said. “We are so thankful for the EZBO Foundation and their incredible support and to all of our partners and friends who made this moment possible.”
Organizers say the Paper Chase raises funds to provide classroom supplies and resources to teachers, helping level the playing field for students across North Alabama. Participants who register for this year’s race will also be entered into a raffle for tickets to local sporting events, including the Savannah Bananas, Rocket City Trash Pandas, Huntsville Havoc and Huntsville City FC.
“The Paper Chase is such an exciting event each and every year. It’s a joy for our organization to be able to participate in Huntsville’s vibrant running culture with an event that brings together teachers, students, and members of the community,” said Ryan Bier, Programs and Grants Coordinator at Free 2 Teach. “We can’t wait to continue this tradition with this year’s Paper Chase.”
Packet pickup will take place Friday, Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Fleet Feet Huntsville in Jones Valley. Additional packet pickup and race-day registration will be available at Constitution Village until 7:40 a.m. Saturday.
Free 2 Teach provides free classroom resources to more than 6,000 full-time teachers serving approximately 75,000 students in Madison and Limestone counties. Teachers can schedule shopping appointments through the organization’s website, and community members can donate online to support its mission.
The nonprofit is located at 3054 Leeman Ferry Road in Huntsville.
