On the front of Monica Lazarus’ shirt at the Northwestern Lehigh Education Foundation Tiger Run and Fun Walk was written: “Never, never, never give up.”

On the back were the words: “Inspire, empower, achieve, succeed, believe, encourage, exceed and accomplish.”

More than 200 racers filled Ontelaunee Park around the pavilion. to sign up for the run and fun walk.

Those who had not preregistered brought the total to a new record said Foundation President Clare Coupe-Scott.

A banner bore the slogan of the Foundation: Nurture, Grow, Prosper.

Each entrant received a shirt donated by Joe Mader from ComforTEK Apparel.

He said everything used for the shirts is made in America.

“This event is awesome, a great event for a great cause,” Mader said.

Wegmans food store donated fruit and the bananas disappeared quickly. Herr’s donated small bags of chips.

Jayson Boushell coordinated the event, the largest of the five in the last five years. The money raised will go toward the Foundation’s mini-grant program.

“It is a great family event,” said Coupe-Scott. “There were several teams of teachers. It is a scenic route around the rolling hills of New Tripoli.”

New Tripoli Fire Company closed the roads and had fire police at each intersection to guide runners in the right direction. A rescue truck was on hand, if needed.

NWL High School juniors Emily Witt and Julia Haas, members of the a capella choir, sang the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Everyone under age 18 received a dog tag with the medal decorated in red, white and blue. There were three trophies in each age category for the male and female winners.

A poster listed 26 sponsors and five who made donations through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. Under this program New Tripoli Bank has donated $500,000.

Runners stretched in groups and by themselves as the 9 a.m. start approached.

Boushell thanked everyone for coming out for Memorial Day. He said Nestle Waters and Deer Park donated $300,000 to Ontelaunee Park over the years.

He thanked Lynn Township for helping with the roads. Deer Park manned a water station half way through the run-walk.

Deer Park Resource Manager Eric Andreus came in first in the age 40-49 division with a time of 20.03.