The logic was simple for Nansemond River High School senior Bryan Rice, a member of the Nansemond River High School track and cross country teams. If he can’t be in a race, then he should hold his own.

Due to a torn ligament in his ankle, Rice was unable to run for four or five months. In March, he had surgery for the injury, and after taking the time to recover, he was able to run again, he said.

Earlier this year, Rice decided to share his interest in running with his community. The result will be the first races to be connected with the popular Driver Days celebration in October.

For a high school student, such a large task might have been daunting, but Rice volunteered to do it. After taking his idea to the Driver Merchant Association, he offered to put the whole race together.

“I think it’s something good to help out my personality,” he said. Having to make the flyers and T-shirts, among other things, has pushed him out of his comfort zone, he said. But he’s also recognized the need for help.

“I’m going to have a lot of people from my school volunteering and running,” Rice said of the event. As a member of the Beta Club and the National Honor Society, he was able to recruit quite a few helpers, including some friends from the track and cross county teams.

Rice has been running for 10 years. After watching his sister participate in Virginia Beach’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon a number of years ago, he became interested in the sport, he said. He ran his first 8K at the age of 12 and has run nine half marathons since then, along with joining his high school track and cross country teams.

Rice hopes to attend the Coast Guard Academy after high school and possibly even join the Navy. Jobs revolving around search and rescue and helicopter piloting most appeal to him, he said.

Because of those interests, he selected the Wounded Warrior Project as the recipient of the proceeds from the Driver races.

“I really hope to raise a lot of money for this organization,” Rice said.

The two races will be held Oct. 17 at the Driver Days festival, and they will utilize the recently opened the Seaboard Coastline Trail.

The Style One Mile race is designed for ages 6 through 12, while the Driver Days 5K is for ages 12 and up.

The Style One Mile begins at 8 a.m., and starts and ends in downtown Driver. The 5K will follow directly after that, starting at 8:30 a.m. All participants will receive a free T-shirt, and the first three male and female racers will win medals, Rice said.

The cost for registration is $20 before Oct. 1 for the Style One Mile and $25 for the 5K. After that date, prices go up. Visit www.driverevents.com for more information and a link to register.