August 5k Fun Run to Support Charleston Families Living with Alzheimer’s

Credit: Tiffany Hicks Photography

Press Release

The ARK of South Carolina Alzheimer’s family support services announces its 24th Annual McElveen Race For The ARK is planned for August 26th, 2023, in historic downtown Summerville. Registration is open for the 5K run/walk, one-mile fun run, and 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.

“We are grateful for the dedication from the Lowcountry who supports us in our efforts to help families dealing with Alzheimer’s and other related dementia,” said Peg Lahmeyer, executive director of The ARK. “This 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.”

More than 95,000 South Carolinians live with Alzheimer’s disease, and 11.5% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline. There are 197,000 family caregivers who bear the burden of the disease in South Carolina, and Alzheimer’s caregivers provide 296 million hours of unpaid care.

The race includes a 5K run/walk and a 1-mile fun run – both begin and end at West 2nd South Street, Summerville, SC 29483. Race day begins at 7:45 am, rain or shine. The ARK will award $100 to the person who breaks the course record. The current course record is held by – Irv Batten at 15:40 and Shannon Bain at 17:43.

The 5K run/walk registration is $35 with a 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. 25 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.

Businesses can create teams of five or more runners for the Corporate Team Challenge. The winning team (combined best times) will receive a hand-crafted traveling trophy to display for one year. The cost is $400, and the registration deadline is July 28.

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. Participating students enjoy a great training run and a fun competition to start the running season. Registration is $35 with a T-shirt and $25 without. The deadline for team registration is July 28. Students under 18 must have the parent or guardian waiver signed.  For more information on Corporate Team Challenge, Youth Team Challenge, and Sponsorship Opportunities, contact Allie Suber at Events@thearkofsc.org.

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

Learn more and register for the Race for The ARK at www.TheARKofSC.org.

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