RICHFIELD — With four different events, it’s easy to see why the Roger Snyder Memorial Race selected “Leaving Footprints for Our Future” as its theme.

Not only does the popular event — now in its 14th year — attract a large number of runners, but it remains a significant financial fundraiser for the In The Beginning Preschool at the Richfield United Methodist Church in Richfield.

Snyder, who passed away in 2011, was born and raised in the Juniata County community and opened a successful insurance agency and volunteered for several community organizations.

“The community is very faithful in supporting the preschool,” said Bria Leister of Roger Snyder Insurance LLC. “Roger was a very respected member of the community.”

Snyder was also a man on a mission. When someone came to him with a need, he usually found a solution.

When his grandson was of preschool age, there was none in the area. Snyder quickly became an advocate for early learning and helped to establish the In The Beginning Preschool in 2010.

“He was a big part of getting the preschool started,” Leister added. “When his grandson was preschool age, he thought a preschool in the area would be beneficial since there wasn’t any local. After he passed, the race was started in memory of him.”

In April 2012, the first Roger Snyder Memorial Race was held with a 5-kilometer run at Basom Park, 6972 Heister Valley Road, Richfield. Since that time, the race has evolved to include a 10k race, half marathon and kid’s fun run for ages 1 to 12.

Over the past 13 years, the race has averaged 150 runners and collected about $60,000 for the preschool’s scholarship fund.

This year’s 14th annual event is scheduled for Saturday, March 29 at Basom Park in Richfield, starting with the half marathon at 8 a.m. The kids fun run follows at 8:45 a.m. and concludes with the 5k and 10k at 9 a.m.

The race, which currently has 114 runners pre-registered, benefits the scholarship fund.

“This scholarship allows children to be able to attend preschool without having to worry about a financial burden,” explained Lisa Treaster, preschool director. “This scholarship fund has also assisted families who temporarily lost jobs or had unexpected health issues.

“I was able to pull extra money from the scholarship fund, so their child could continue to attend even though things became more difficult at home,” Treaster added. “Also, it is my understanding that Roger had given a substantial donation in establishing this preschool in the Richfield community.”

Today, the scholarship fund assists families from Mifflin, Thompsontown, McAlisterville, Richfield, Mount Pleasant Mills, Liverpool, Millerstown and Selinsgrove, Treaster said.