22nd Annual 5K Fun Run to Benefit Area Families Living with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia Set for August

The ARK, Alzheimer’s family support services, announced that its 22nd Annual McElveen Race For The ARK is planned for August 28, 2021 and will take place in historic downtown Summerville. Registration is open for the in-person and virtual 5K run/walk, one mile fun run, and the youth and corporate team challenges. Race proceeds will benefit The ARK in its work providing comprehensive support services to families living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia.

The annual event funds programs such as memory screenings, resource fairs, educational workshops, and support groups in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties plus respite centers in Harleyville and Summerville.

The race includes a 5K run/walk and 1-mile fun run – both begin and end at West 2nd South Street in Summerville. Race day begins, rain or shine, at 7:45 am.

“Last year our communities raised nearly $19,000 with 200 runners and walkers participating, virtually, in The Race for the ARK,” said Peg Lahmeyer, executive director of The ARK. “Every dollar raised went to our innovative programs that support families living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. We are once again honored to have McElveen Buick as our 2021 title sponsor. This year’s race will be particularly important because our program is needed now more than ever.”

Currently, more than 95,000 South Carolinians are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and more than 199,000 family members and friends are providing care for them. The state has the sixth highest Alzheimer’s death rate in America and has seen a 122 percent increase in deaths since 2000.

Registration for the 5K run/walk is $35 with a quick-dry fabric t-shirt and $25 without a shirt. Register for the 1-mile fun run for $10 or $30 for a family of four (shirts are not included with the fun run registration).

Registration and packet pickup will be from noon to 6 p.m. at The ARK House on Aug. 27 and from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. on race day on-site at the event. On-site registration in each of the race categories increases by $5.

Awards will be given to the top three overall female and male winners as well as in several age groups. Plus, $100 will be awarded to the first female and male to break the course records.

Youth Running Teams from local schools are invited to compete in the Youth Team Challenge. Registration for Youth Teams can be done through high school coaches and online. Students who participate enjoy a great training run and fun competition to start the running season. Registration is $35 with a T-shirt and $25 without. The deadline for team registration is August 1. Students under 18 must have the parent or guardian waiver signed.

Businesses can create teams of five or more runners as part of the Corporate Challenge. The winning team (combined best times) will receive a hand-crafted traveling trophy to display for one year. The cost is $350 and the deadline to register is August 1.

Race organizers are following local government regulations and CDC guidelines to ensure there will be safety measures in place throughout the race day. There will be two water stations and the course is certified by USA Track & Field.

Learn more and register for the Race for The ARK at www.TheARKofSC.org. For more information on Corporate Team Challenge, Youth Team Challenge, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Megan Severn at info@thearkofsc.org.

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