Central Junior High is gearing up for its 27th annual Fun Run, a 2.2-mile run around the school campus, several Lawrence blocks and parks.

The kickoff for fundraising begins today. For every $10 a student brings in, he or she gets a raffle ticket for prizes. This year’s goal is to raise more than $18,000 to help pay for new choral uniforms for the auditioned choir, Excalibur.

The run will begin at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the school, 1400 Mass.

The Fun Run began in 1976 by two physical education teachers to motivate students to get in shape and learn to enjoy running. All money raised goes to the Opportunity Central fund, which helps finance after-school activities, camp and field scholarships, gym uniforms and other needs.