Loop the Lake 5K Run to benefit women's charities

A 5K run on Saturday, July 18 at the Lake Blackshear Resort in Cordele will raise funds for two area women’s charities.  Proceeds from the 2009 Lake Blackshear Loop the Lake 5K run, one mile walk and ‘stroller roll’ will benefit GraceWay Recovery Residence and Ruth’s Cottage/The Patticake House. 

“The race begins at the Lake Blackshear Resort, and the scenic 5K and one mile course winds through Georgia Veterans State Park,” said Paula Bacon, event coordinator.  “This is a great run for a great cause.”

 The event, part of the “Run & See Georgia Grand Prix Series,” was originated by Dr. Edward Hellman, spine surgeon with the Spine & Scoliosis Center and Georgia Sports in Tifton.  “I am an avid runner, so I thought it would be fun to organize a 5K run and one mile walk that could also raise awareness and funds for these important women’s programs,” Hellman said.

GraceWay Recovery Residence, based in Albany, provides faith-based, long-term substance abuse treatment for women in a home environment.  Located in downtown Albany, GraceWay celebrates its sixth year of helping women seek residential 12-step based recovery and a fresh start. Their Sober-living apartments next door, “The Way” allows residents to maintain sobriety, to work their individualized recovery plans and to practice independent living skills while maintaining close ties to the recovery community. Ruth’s Cottage/The Patticake House, based in Tifton, is devoted to ending domestic and sexual violence, as well as child sexual and physical abuse, through a collaborative, multidisciplinary, approach to investigations, advocacy and support.

“GraceWay, and Ruth’s Cottage/The Patticake House all focus on empowering women in times of crisis,” said Hellman.  “These are all effective and meaningful programs that continue to make a difference in the lives of women in our region each and every day.”

Online registration is available at www.loopthelake5k.com or www.active.com. Registration and packet pickup will be held on Friday, July 17 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Lake Blackshear Resort with race day registration from 6 a.m. until 7:15 a.m. at the Resort. 

“All registrants receive an official event T-shirt, goodie bags and post-race breakfast,” said Bacon.  “We will also be awarding overall male/female winners, masters male/female winners and the top three men/women in various age divisions.  We are very excited to once again offer Chip Timing race results, thanks to Event Tech, Inc,” added Bacon. Start times are as follows: 5K Run: 7:30 a.m.; 5K Stroller Roll: 7:40 ; 1 Mile Run/Walk & 1 Mile Stroller Roll: 7:50 a.m.

Sponsors of the event include Edward Hellman, MD of The Spine & Scoliosis Center and Georgia Sports; Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club and Event Tech, Inc. For more information, call 229-446-4550 or e-mail info@loopthelake5k.com.