The Spring Fever Chase Committee announced recently they have granted a record-breaking $18,488 to Baldwin County schools to support physical education programs.

Held annually in March on the Saturday morning of Fairhope's Arts & Crafts Festival weekend, Spring Fever Chase is a 10K run and 2-mile fun run/walk sponsored by Thomas Hospital and Wells Fargo. The event takes both runners and walkers on a course through the neighborhoods of Fairhope overlooking Mobile Bay.

"Physical education is an essential component of a well-rounded education, and we are thrilled to be able to provide these grants to local schools," said Jill Everson, director of Infirmary Fitness Centers and Spring Fever Chase. "We are grateful to our sponsors and participants for their generous support and commitment to improving the health and wellness of students in our community."

Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, PE coaches from six Baldwin County schools are now able to purchase needed equipment to keep their students active and engaged. All requested grants totaled $18,488, the most ever coming from Spring Fever Chase. Grants were awarded to the following schools:

• Florence B. Mathis Elementary — $5,994 for basketball goals
• J. Larry Newton Elementary — $1,248 for disc golf goals and accessories
• Fairhope Middle — $2,949 for GaGa Ball
• Fairhope East Elementary — $2,999 for target and balance activities
• Fairhope West Elementary — $3,254 for Jump, Jump, and Fly Away activities
• Christ the King Catholic — $2,044 for badminton and pickleball supplies