---

ATTLEBORO - The journey of 100 miles begins with the first step. And the trip will be a collective one for 100 Attleboro High School students who will be participating in a 100-by-one-mile relay at the high school track Saturday in an attempt to set a world record in that category.

A total of 50 boys and 50 girls will each run a one-mile leg during the all-day event which will be held rain or shine, starting at 8 a.m.

The event has gained support from World Records for Schools, a volunteer organization that encourages students to work together to achieve unique feats that foster the use of cooperation, problem-solving strategies and life skills.

Students won't be the only ones running on Saturday, as a number of teachers, police officers and firefighters, as well as Mayor Kevin Dumas have committed to running their own laps in support of the effort. Students are also encouraging community members to form their own relay teams.

A group of high school students training for the Special Olympics regional qualifying meet in May are forming a team, and each of the city's three middle schools will be sending 20-member teams of 10 boys and 10 girls each who will compete in a Middle School Challenge Relay. A local Boy Scout troop will provide brunch to the participants, and Attleboro High's Student Council is in the process of organizing various types of entertainment, including music, face painting and fun relays for younger spectators who come to watch the world-record attempt.

The student-led event is being organized with the help of high school dean of students Martin Tighe, an athlete and coach who once trained in a commercial freezer to participate in a North Pole marathon.

Tighe said Saturday's challenge has as much to do with character and commitment as athletic skill.

"This challenge is about more than just running a relay," he said.

For more information about the Community 100x1-Mile Challenge, contact Tighe at (508) 222-5150, ext. 222, or mtighe@attleboroschools.com.