After the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., Mena Shaw Races, based out of Florida, started a nationwide half marathon and 5K run to help raise money for those affected in Newtown.

It was a viral success.

Three local runners, Beverly Maddy, her daughter Brea Lewis and their friend Jenni Lawson came together with the plan of running the 5K in Ironton to add to the contributions from those across the world. Beverly said when they contacted Mena Shaw Races they said more than $2 million had already been raised and the three should organize an event to raise money for their own community.

And that’s what they did.

The Sandy Hook Elementary Memorial 5K Run/Walk is set for Jan. 26 at 9 a.m. in Ironton. The event will honor the victims of the shooting with the money raised from the event going toward the Shriners Hospitals for Children’s Lexington Orthopedic Unit and the Cincinnati Burn Unit.

“People may not see these as local, but over 100 kids from our area are currently using the services of the Shriners,” Maddy said. “I believe this is a perfect act of kindness for everyone to do and shows the world those of us in Lawrence County have a heart for those who are suffering.”

Maddy said volunteers from the Rock Hill Honors Society will remember those who lost their lives during the shooting by making signs with the victims’ names and holding them along the course.

The run will begin and end at Fifth and Vernon streets in downtown Ironton. Registration is $26. Runners can sign up online at www.tristateracer.com or at Stamper’s Barber Shop in Ironton. The first 100 to sign up will receive a T-shirt.

Registration will continue until the morning of the race at 8 a.m.