A group of Peachtree Charter Middle School parents are doing what they can to improve their school by planning a race to raise money for a new track.

The grassroots effort started when eighth grade parent Stephanie Holmes was at the track volunteering for the middle school’s field day. She said she couldn’t believe that the crumbling asphalt was the track the students use.

“Some of the moms thought I was crazy because I asked where the track was and they said, ‘You’re standing on it!’” Holmes said.

Holmes decided she wanted to do something about it. She coordinated with Caryn Gartner, a physical education coach at the school, to organize a 5-kilometer race to help fund a new track.

“Last year we kind of threw it together and were able to raise about $12,000,” Holmes said. “I’ve just been really impressed by how the Dunwoody community has come behind this effort.”

On Oct. 1, the group will host the second annual “Peachtree Charter Middle School CV Classic” 5K race.

This year, the goal is to raise $20,000. Holmes said she hopes that with money from the races over the next two years and private donations, the parents will be able to collect the roughly $80,000 needed for a new track.

Gartner said the name for the race is inspired by “CV,” or a cardiovascular exercise the students do in physical education class. Every Monday, the students run two miles on the track.

The track at Peachtree Charter Middle School is original to the building, which dates back to the 1960s, Gartner said.

“If you can imagine 50 years of growth and roots and grass coming out all over the place, it’s a site for sore eyes,” she said.

The registration form for the Oct. 1 race can be found on the school’s website. The race will begin on the track, go through the Dunwoody North neighborhood and end at the school.

Gartner said she is not surprised that Dunwoody residents have shown interest in repairing the track.

“It’s a community that’s very proud of being fit. And our community, they use our track. I know they’d love to have another opportunity to utilize a great track. And it would be open to the community,” Gartner said.