Ray Tanner Home Run Returns for 10th Anniversary
October 20, 2015
All proceeds from this year’s race will go toward flood relief
COLUMBIA, SC – The Ray Tanner Foundation is hosting its 10th annual Ray Tanner Home Run 12K, 5K, Youth 1 Mile and Kids Fun Run this Saturday, October 24th at Carolina Stadium. In light of the recent flooding in Columbia, 100% of the net proceeds from this year’s race will go toward flood relief, especially areas where children have been impacted.
No police officers will be taken from important flood or other community safety needs. All officers present at the event are off-duty volunteers who will be compensated for their time by the Home Run. The dedication and service of our local police is greatly appreciated.
The Home Run had its inaugural race in 2006 as a way to raise money for the Ray Tanner Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of local children and families who are at an economical and medical disadvantage. Comprised entirely of volunteers who enjoy promoting the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle, the goal of the race is to put on a premier running and walking event in a fun and supportive environment.
“One of the most heartwarming moments is watching children from the Therapy Place and some of the other benefiting organizations take part in the Kids Fun Run,” said Coleen Strasburger, co-director of the Home Run. “Seeing their smiles and knowing that our hard work is helping to make their lives better is the best reward.”
Said by past participants to have the best finish line in the state, one of the biggest attractions of the event is its location at Carolina Stadium. Participants who run the 5K or 12K get to run down the third base line and cross home plate.
The Columbia Regional Sports Council has worked with the Ray Tanner Home Run since 2010 by way of volunteering to assist the race and promoting the event via social media.
“The Ray Tanner Home Run showcases USC’s beautiful Carolina Stadium, as well as gives a nod to one of Columbia’s all-time favorite ball coaches,” said Grayson Hopp, Sports Council Sales Manager. “We love to emphasize that this event is solely run by volunteers. Volunteers play such a vital role in all events and our community as a whole. We’re excited to be able to celebrate 10 years with the Ray Tanner Home Run and are thankful for all they do within the Ray Tanner Foundation.”
Fun facts for the 10th Anniversary:
- In nine years, participants have run or walked 52,930 miles
- After this year, 11,000 Home Run finishers will have crossed home plate
- More than 45,000 cups of water, sports drink and sweet tea have been served
- 4,635 hot dogs have been served
- Volunteers have filled more than 2,000 positions and donated over 5,000 hours of service – just on race day.
Event sponsors have helped raise more than $225,000 over the past nine years to help children and families through the work of the Ray Tanner Foundation. Grant recipients have included the Therapy Place, St. Lawrence Place, S.C. Center for Fathers and Families, the Family Shelter and Palmetto Place Emergency Shelter.
Whether you’re a hard core runner racing for a personal record or family groups and teams made of all ages and abilities, the Home Run offers something for everyone. Past races have seen 1,600 – 1,800 participants. This year’s goal is to sell out the event at the maximum of 1,800 attendees.
Participants are welcome to stay at the Hilton Columbia Center in the historic Congaree Vista district. A generous nightly rate of $119 is offered at the request of the L-RTRUN discount.
About Ray Tanner Foundation:
Founded in 2005 by then University of South Carolina Head Baseball Coach Ray Tanner and his wife Karen, the Foundation supports organizations that care for seriously ill children, the homeless and other charitable causes.
About Columbia Regional Sports Council:
The mission of the Columbia Regional Sports Council is to strengthen the area’s economy by marketing and selling Columbia, S.C. as a premier destination for sporting events, partnering with local sports organizations to grow and develop existing events, and by recruiting new events that provide an economic benefit to the region by generating room nights, food and beverage sales, and associated tax revenues. For more information, visit columbiasportscouncil.com.
