RACE HELPS FUND ANTI-DRUG EFFORTS

BOCA RATON . The D.A.R.E. 5K Run/Walk has played a key role in educating
kids about drug abuse.

In his 12th year as race director of Saturday's 3.1-mile run/walk at
Spanish River Park, Boca Raton Police Officer Marc Ingellis said the race
has helped to fund the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program taught in
the public and private schools by police.

Ingellis has added more raffle prizes, including dinner gift certificates,
running shoes and Town Center gift certificates to attract a larger field.

The defending champions are Eddie Ernest-Jones (15:58) and Nancy Frey (18:20).

More than 50,000 elementary, middle and high school pupils have gone
through the program, Ingellis said.

The race, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Boca Raton, has become one of the
police force's best ways to raise awareness among students, teachers,
parents and the public about alcohol, drugs, violence and gangs.

The anti-drug program has been revised for the 10th time, and new workbooks
and curricula have been created. A popular part of the program is
role-playing by students.

"Half the battle is education," Ingellis said. "The program can't stop
drugs coming into this country but it can teach these kids."

Race proceeds are used to buy graduation certificates, T-shirts and school
supplies for participants.

The Boca Raton Police Department was the first law enforcement agency in
Florida to adopt D.A.R.E., now the largest drug prevention program in the
United States.

The race was started in 1987. After a two-year hiatus, Delray Beach is
implementing the program.