Raising a total of $5,600 during its first two years, the Third Annual Half Marathon/Ruck Run/5K in Canton, Ga. is expected to be another successful event to support the Georgia National Guard Foundation on Saturday, May 14. Half Marathon and Ruck runners will toe the line at 7 a.m. on Saturday and 5K runners will follow at 7:15 a.m. at Etowah River Park.
"Each year, when you do these events, you get more and more support, and it becomes something that is recognized," Harriet Morgan, Georgia National Guard Foundation program manager, says.
Participants can expect a Saturday morning filled with competition, camaraderie, and an opportunity to honor the men and women of the Guard.
"This year, we're going to have a team of ruck runners from the Georgia National Guard which is an awesome thing to see, these guys in full uniform with their 35-pound packs running 12 miles," Morgan says. "So, it's appealing to a lot of the military members, and they are what the whole run is about."
The Ruck Run is a true ruck which requires participants to carry a 35-pound pack for 12 miles. Packs must be weighed out prior to the event. The Foundation has requested that packs be filled with dry goods (beans, rice, etc.), and at the end of the race, items will be donated to local food pantries.
This year, there will be a special tribute to the Memory of MAJ Kevin Jenrette from Lula, Ga. who was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 4, 2009. For six years after his death, his wife Shannon Jenrette hosted the Some Gave All 5K in his honor; however, this year she has decided to combine her efforts with the Georgia National Guard Foundation's during Saturday's race. She will be participating in the half marathon.
"We are looking forward to the race!" Morgan says. "We hope it's going to be a great turn out. It's all for a great cause, and we just appreciate Patty Baker and her Husband Scott McElroy for organizing this every year for us and designating the Foundation as its partner."
Awards will be given out to each male in female among seven different age groups. Half Marathon and Ruck Run runners will receive a custom finisher's medal. All runners will receive a t-shirt. Registration is $50 for the Half Marathon and Ruck Run in advance and $65 on race day; the 5K is $25 in advance and $35 on race day. Race day registration will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday.
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