Lee County Heroes Run set for Saturday
The race’s goal is to help raise money for a new home for a veteran.
Runners from around the region will gather Saturday in Lee County for the 4th annual 911 Heroes Run. This year’s run, which starts in downtown Leesburg, will begin with an opening ceremony at 1 p.m. in front of the Lee County Courthouse. (File Photo)
By Terry Lewis
LEESBURG — Runners from around the region will gather Saturday in Lee County for the 4th annual 911 Heroes Run. This year’s run, which starts in downtown Leesburg, will begin with an opening ceremony at 1 p.m. in front of the Lee County Courthouse.
The Leesburg Heroes Run is presented by the City of Leesburg and the Lee County Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Flint River Habitat for Humanity to memorialize the heroes who have dedicated their lives to public service.
There will be three separate races Saturday — a one-mile Fun Run, a 5K run, and a 10.1K run
Proceeds from the race will go to The House that Valor Built, a Habitat for Humanity home for a veteran in Lee County or Dougherty County. All participants should be at the courthouse by 1 p.m. Saturday with the 10.1K gun going off at 1:30 p.m.
“We’ve had more than 80 pre-register for the race so far, but with the run still a week away we are counting on doubling that number because people will often wait until the last minute to register,” race organizer Judy Powell said. “So far we have raised more than $40,000 to put toward a house for a veteran. Later, we will take applications from veterans or the widow of a veteran and make a decision.”
Powell added the group hopes to break ground on that new home sometime this year.
Recognizing a need for safe and affordable housing for former service members, Flint River Habitat began its Veterans Program in 2014.
“We are dedicated to providing affordable housing for those qualified veterans who reside in Dougherty or Lee counties,” Habitat Executive Director/CEO Jennifer Vanston said. “When it comes to honoring those who have given so much for our country, we believe it is imperative to have a successful Veterans’ Program for our community’s veterans in need.”
The 10.1K component of the race was added this year and, according to Powell, it is a qualifying event for next month’s Albany Marathon. The race is listed on the Black Bag Race Series and Clover Glove Race Series, and is also part of the Run & See Georgia Grand Prix.
Powell said runners who have pre-registered may pick up their T-shirts and packets at the Lee County Chamber beginning Friday afternoon. Those wishing to register the day of the race may do so at the Chamber beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Registration prices are as follows:
— 1-Mile Run, $20 for an individual; $80 for a family.
— 5K Run, $30 for an individual; $120 for a family.
— 10.1K Run, $40 for an individual; $160 for a family.
For more information or to register visit the Lee County Chamber office located at 100B Starksville Ave. North in Leesburg or online at www.HeroesRunLeesburg.com, or call 229-759-2422.
Hosts for the event are the City of Leesburg, the Lee County Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, Lee County Family Connection, and the YMCA.
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