Mars Planet Foundation's Walk Around Mars event has reached its finish line.

The fundraiser took place over several weeks this spring and raised money for foundation student and teacher scholarships.

It also involved getting community members to walk 13,263 miles, the circumference of the planet Mars.

Residents actually walked 13,313 miles, according to foundation board member Carol Knox, and raised more than $36,247.

“The Mars Planet Foundation board felt the walk was a huge success,” Knox said, “especially because we were able to engage the entire community and be supported by so many local businesses.”

Mars Area Elementary School received a trophy from the foundation for registering the most students and teachers for the event, totaling 81 and 13, respectively.

Knox said the trophy, donated by Mars Bank, was presented by Stephen Eckert of Mars Bank to elementary principal Todd Lape last week.

With COVID-19 restrictions easing, Knox said the foundation is working on plans for its next fundraiser.

She indicated it may include some features from Walk Around Mars, including the event's mascot, Marty the Martian.

“Suffice to say, you will be seeing Marty around for years to come,” Knox said.

Information about the foundation and its events can be found at marsplanetfoundation.org.