RUN IT…WALK IT…JOG IT: 11th Annual Duck & Run 5K and Fun Run

8-15-2014 3-44-10 PMLooking for a run that is mildly challenging in which you can choose your own pace? The KALB Duck & Run 5K on September 20, 2014 is for you!

Our certified run will take participants through historic Athens with tree lined streets and lovely homes. The course also winds through downtown Athens and the Courthouse Square. The 5K race will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the Fun Run will begin at 9:00 a.m. Each will begin and end at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens.

Last year, race day was overcast and rainy. This year we are hoping we’ll be singing the lyrics of Jesus Jackson’s song “I Must Be Running On Sunshine”; however, the race will go on rain or shine! As a fun and helpful addition, Pam Hartmann of Retrobics will be there with lively music to help everyone warm up for the race!

Registration
Pre-registration is $20 and must be postmarked by 9/13/14. Late and race day registration is $25. Fun Run registration is $10. Registration can be completed online at www.Active.com or www.KALBCares.com.

8-15-2014 3-45-00 PM

Packet Pickup / Late Registration
Packet pickup and late registration will be held on Thursday, September 18th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Fleet Feet Sports in Huntsville, and on Friday, September 19th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the KALB office, 125 East Street in Athens (across from Big Spring Memorial Park). Race day registration will begin at 6:45 a.m. All registered runners will receive a race t-shirt and goody bag. Pre-registration will guarantee size.

8-15-2014 3-44-30 PMAwards and Prizes
A 5K awards ceremony will follow shortly after the run. Awards will be presented to the first place overall participants, first place masters (over 40), and to the first three finishers, both male and female, in each age category. A Mid-Pack cash award will be presented and a cash drawing held. Winner of the cash drawing must be present to win.

HealthSource Massages
HealthSource of Athens staff will be present to provide $1/minute massages. This is not limited to race participants! Anyone can enjoy a massage! All proceeds from the massages will be donated directly to Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, so be sure to bring some cash.

Why Do We Fundraise?
KALB is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. We are freestanding. In other words, we are not a department of the city or county. We are grateful for appropriations provided to us by the County Commission and City Council, but that money does not fund our entire budget.

Although our annual budget is small compared to some organizations ($70,000), this money must cover salaries of one part-time and one full-time employee, utilities, office supplies, insurances, phone and Internet service, and events for the year. As you might imagine, KALB must be very frugal and wise in our spending…and we are!

8-15-2014 3-44-46 PMFundraisers such as this race, our Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby rubber duck race, and membership drive as well as donations help to bridge the gap that is left after appropriations. It isn’t easy keeping our programs going throughout the year while working hard to fundraise as well; however, it is something that is necessary for all non-profits.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the work of Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, a local affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, whose mission is to empower citizens of Athens and Limestone County to take greater responsibility for enhancing their community environment. This mission is reached through programs such as Adopt-A-Spot, Elk River cleanups, providing Clean and Green opportunities at outdoor community events, taking environmental education into city and county schools, our annual Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO, and much more.

KALB is very grateful to all sponsors of this event. We offer special thanks to Fleet Feet Sports, McClary Ford, American Leakless Co., Pepsi, Eastside Pharmacy, and Limestone Drug.

More information, including a course description, can be found at www.KALBCares.com, or contact Eric Patterson at duckandrun5K@yahoo.com or call 256-233-8000.
By: Lynne Hart