What better way to provide safe and sober graduation activities for Coupeville High School seniors than through an event that promotes good health and well-being?

The organization Parents of Coupeville High School will host Race the Reserve again this summer, using the funds generated by the event to offer the class of 2016 a wholesome senior trip.

The fifth annual Race the Reserve is set for Saturday, Aug. 1, and will include a half marathon, a 10K race and a 5K race — all wandering through the scenic Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. The half marathon begins at 8:30 a.m., the other races at 9.

The race will help fund “all the activities for the graduating CHS seniors,” according to Wendy McCormick, the 2015 race director.

The Parents of Coupeville High School will also host other fundraisers, such as running the concession stands at CHS athletic events and holding bake sales.

“We are (also) looking at the idea of a dinner theater as a fundraiser that would include the CHS class of 2016 drama students,” McCormick said.

Organizing and making sure the Race the Reserve runs smoothly takes time and effort, and McCormick is pleased with the Wolf Pride displayed by those willing to help.

“The key this year was getting the word out early to parents and the class of 2016 seniors,” McCormick said. “It worked, and we have had the highest turnout at meetings compared to the previous races. We are ready for race day with all the volunteers we have right now.

“This year’s core group includes Sara Maher, Abbie Martin, Melissa and Scott Losey, Cheree Francart, Mary Ann Engle, Dave Sem, Kali Barrio and many more parents who have helped with sponsors and items needed for the race, plus committing to showing up on race day to volunteer.”

McCormick said her job as a first-year race director was made easier by the thorough notes left by previous directors and the availability of Elizabeth Bitting, last year’s director, to answer questions (“which I had many”).

The class of 2016 was also encouraged to help, and so far 40 have signed up, McCormick said.

“They have known about this race and have saved the date to be there to volunteer,” McCormick said. “I have had seniors ask me where they are going on their senior trip, and I tell them nowhere right now as we have to raise the money.”

Once the funds for the trip are secured, McCormick said, the seniors will have a “chance to vote on ideas” for the trip’s location.

“I think that has been a motivating factor in their willingness to volunteer, and the fact that we have stressed this is their fundraiser,” she said.

McCormick also noted that the Race the Reserve is more than a high school event and is part of the fabric of Coupeville.

“This is a community event from having the support of local sponsors to promoting the Town of Coupeville, Friends of Ebey’s and The Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival on our Facebook page and web page — we are promoting our community together,” she said.

Race the Reserve will be similar to past races with a few small differences, according to McCormick.

“We hope to have local band Jacob’s Road performing as the runners finish the race,” she said.

To register for the race or for more information, visit www.racethereserve.com