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Steelers 5K Raises Money For Art Rooney Scholarship Fund

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It was a great day for a run on Pittsburgh's North Shore, all part of a holiday weekend's worth of activities to kick-off the Steelers' regular season.

Three waves of runners took off early this morning for the 28th annual Gatorade Steelers 5K Race, Fitness Walk and Kids' Kickoff Run.

Former Steelers All-Pro Guard Alan Faneca was there, along with other Steelers players.

"It's great to be here today," said Faneca. "One of the best things I've always loved about being a part of the Steelers family is the way they react with the community and help out, and this is just another reason to love the Steelers."

The race benefits the Art Rooney Scholarship Fund, providing $15,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from two high schools – Perry Traditional Academy and Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic.

"Your putting kids in school that had the dream and didn't know how they were going to realize it, and they got to go to school all because of you," said one Steelers representative.

The scholarship has awarded grants to more than 75 local students since it began.

"Twenty-eight years, had a great day every year," said Steelers President Art Rooney II, "so thank you very much and enjoy a great day."

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Runners say they are happy to return every year.

"It's nice scenery, keeps you distracted from what you are actually doing, pretty flat, little hill now and then, but that keeps you honest," said Christine Pollick, who was running for the race for the 11the time.

KDKA was happy to be an event partner for today's run, and our own Jon Burnett helped emcee the event.

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