The 2008 Lake Blackshear “Loop the Lake” 5K run and one-mile walk benefiting Ruth’s Cottage and GraceWay Recovery Residence will be held on Saturday, July 19 at Georgia Veterans State Park.

“The race begins at the Lake Blackshear Resort, and the scenic 5K and one-mile course winds through the park and around the lake,” 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 Georgia Spine & Scoliosis Clinic in Tifton. “Our first 5K run and one-mile walk was held on Memorial Day weekend in 2006 and was a big success,” said Bacon. “Dr. Hellman is an avid runner and he thought it would be fun to organize an event at the lake that could also raise awareness and funds for these two important women’s programs.”

Ruth’s Cottage, based in Tifton, is devoted to ending domestic and sexual violence towards women through a collaborative, multidisciplinary, approach to investigations, advocacy and support. GraceWay Recovery Residence, located in Albany, provides faith-based, long-term substance abuse treatment for women in a home environment.

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

Bacon said the 5K run starts at 7:30 a.m. July 19 and the one-mile walk will begin at 8:00 a.m. There will also be a 5K stroller roll starting at 7:45 a.m. and a one-mile stroller roll at 8:15 a.m. Entry fees for adults before July 12 are $20. After July 12, the fees are $23; on race day: $25. For children (under age 12), the fees before July 12 are $15; after July 12: $18; and, race day: $20.

Online registration is available at www.loopthelake5K.com or www.active.com. Race day registration will be held from 6:00 a.m. until 7:15 a.m. at the Lake Blackshear Resort. “All registrants receive an official event T-shirt, goodie bags and post-race treats,” 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.”

Sponsors of the event include Dr. Edward Hellman with Georgia Spine & Scoliosis Clinic, Tift Regional Medical Center and the Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club. For more information, call 229-888-8989 or visit www.loopthelake5K.com.