American Legion Post 197 will host a 5K and 10K event on Saturday, Aug. 11 to raise funds to honor local World War I heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
The special event will begin at the Concord Gazebo off Highway 18 and all who register will receive a t-shirt. The cost is $35, including the day of the event, and “Proceeds will help off-set the cost of the Dec. 1 Pike County Memorial Annex Induction Ceremony where we will be inducting all 10 World War I names listed on the Pike County Veterans Monument,” said Bryan Richardson of Post 197. “This is part of the 100th anniversary of the end of First World War. The Memorial Annex honors Pike County fallen heroes, provides Pike County history, as well as detailed accounts of America’s Wars since World War I. The Pike County American Legion Family 197 will host this year’s event.”
The 2018 WWI Memorial Annex Induction Ceremony nominees include Arthur R. Ballard, Herman K. Davis, Leon R. Davis, Roswell D. Hooten, J.G. McLendon, Henry A. O’Neal, Solon S. Self, Vernon E. Slade, Lawrence G. Sullivan and Pierre M. Sullivan.
Participants can start the course anytime between 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. and finish at their own pac. Walkers and pets are welcome. The 5K and 10K routes are generally flat and include paved roads, dirt roads and trails. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
“Runners can use this event as an interesting workout for their running program. For those of you who attended the last Concord event, the course loops will be conducted in reverse,” said Richardson. “So you will see the scenery from a different perspective this time. See downtown Concord, and for the 10K participants, they will also see the old Williamson Train Deport that was moved to Diastoles Farm,” said Richardson. “We also provide mile markers for those serious runners, and for those who just want to know “How much further?” and “Are we there yet?” There are no restrictions on strollers and dogs on leashes.”
Honor a deceased veteran by placing his or her name on back of the t-shirt with a $50 donation to Post 197.
To receive a registration form for the race, email event director Bryan Richardson at rich5060@bellsouth.net. Make checks payable to American Legion Post 197 and mail to Event Director, Bryan Richardson, P.O. Box 781, Zebulon, GA 30295. For questions, call 678-764-2611.