Charity

Registration Open for 23rd Annual 5K Fun Run to Benefit Local Families Living with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia

Published

2 years ago

June 22, 2022

Press Release

The ARK of South Carolina Alzheimer’s family support services, announces that its 23rd Annual McElveen Race For The ARK is planned for August 27th, 2022 and will take place in historic downtown Summerville. Registration is open for the 5K run/walk, one-mile fun run, as well as for 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.

“We are grateful to the community from the Lowcountry and beyond who join us to help the individuals and 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.”

Currently, more than 95,000 South Carolinians are living 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 1-mile fun run – both begin and end at West 2nd South Street, Summerville, SC 29483. Race day begins at 7:45 a.m., 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 15:40 and Rives Poe O’Connell 17:51.

Registration for the 5K run/walk 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. 26 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 as part of 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 $350 and the deadline to register is August 1.

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. For more information on Corporate Team Challenge, Youth Team Challenge, and Sponsorship Opportunities contact Megan Severn at DevelopmentDir@thearkofsc.org

Awards will be given to the top three overall Race for The ARK 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.

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