Run Away on Turkey Day with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands

October 26, 2009

COLUMBIA, SC – October 22, 2009 — Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands hosts the fifth annual 8K & 3K Turkey Day Run on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26. Both races will support the 31 area Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands.

“Boys & Girls Clubs have been a part of the Midlands community since 1959, and in the past few years, we’ve held the Turkey Day Run through three cities in the Midlands,” says Carter Clark, Chief Professional Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands. “The race really exemplifies what the Boys & Girls Clubs are all about – family-oriented, healthy activities that impact the Midlands community.”

Both races begin and end at the Colonial Life Arena at 801 Lincoln Street. The 8K course, which is USA Track & Field Certified, will take runners and walkers through downtown Columbia, across two bridges and through West Columbia and Cayce, where participants will enjoy views of the Columbia skyline.

Pre-registered runners and walkers will receive an official race t-shirt, and 3K runners/walkers receive participation ribbons. 8K participants in various categories will receive awards and male and female overall winners will receive gift certificates.

Children who bring can donations for Harvest Hope will only pay for t-shirts, race entry will be waived.

Race Details:

Pre-register online at http://www.strictlyrunning.com/ or at www.BGCMidland.org

On-site registration from 8:00 – 8:55 a.m.

8K starts at 9:00 a.m.

3K Family Fun Run starts at 9:15 a.m.

“Past participants have been able to feel great about all of the Thanksgiving turkey they’re eating later that day,” says Ken Martin, vice president of communications and resource development for BGCM. “It’s always fun to see families and friends cheering on the racers, and we’re excited to offer the 3K fun run for children and families. There’s something for everyone!”

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands:

Locally, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands has touched the lives of over 8,000 area children.  Our 31 Clubs see over 3,000 children come through their doors every week.  In these Clubs, our Members find a safe place where they can have fun and be themselves. The Clubs offer activities that highlight five core areas: Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. Now, more than ever, it is important that every child has the opportunity to learn and grow in a positive atmosphere. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands is making that happen every day, one child at a time.