Opp Mayor H.D. Edgar is putting on his running shoes and training for the first ever Rattlesnake Rodeo 5K run/walk.

“This is the first one I’ve ever done,” he said.

Edgar said he’s excited about participating in the race, and hopes to draw a large crowd.

“For whatever reason, if the mayor is inv-olved in something, it helps promote the event,” he said. “I really hope by me committing to do this, others will too.”

Edgar said the money raised from the 5K will go to the Rattlesnake Rodeo scholarship program.

“It’s really for a good cause,” he said.

Edgar said he’s been training for a while to get ready for the event.

“I’ve been running at night,” he said. “I started running a half a mile, then a mile and now I’m up to two miles.”

Edgar said he’s so dedicated to doing the 5K that he even walked a mile in Daytona Beach, Fla., earlier this week while one of his trailers was being fixed.

At first, Edgar said he experienced some pain while running due to a broken angle he sustained about six years ago, when he was in a motorcycle accident.

“I bought a brace and I wear it when I run,” he said. “It seems to be helping.”

The race is something the mayor said he’s looking forward to, but he isn’t worried about winning.

“I think it will really be fun to do this,” he said. “I know I won’t be first, but I don’t want to be last.”

Edgar said that he thinks local Trailmaster and rodeo volunteer Charles Willis is participating with him.

“Charles can walk really fast,” he said. “So I may have to run to keep up with him.”

The event is slated for 9 a.m. Sat., April 2, and will start and finish at Opp High School.

The route takes runners through several blocks of downtown.

“We are accepting all ages,” said organizer Emily Edgar, who is also the mayor’s daughter. “Kids are welcome. If they can do the 3.1 miles, we’ll let them do it. They can just register like the adults.”

Pre-registration is $20 and will end Fri., March 18, or registration is $25 on race day.

Forms are available at active.com or eteamz.rattlesnakerodeo5Kwalk.com.