Nearly 150 runners and walkers hit the streets around the Richmond Place subdivision early Saturday morning for the 2nd Annual Red Hot Chili Pepper 5k to raise money for the Thornwell Home for Children.

The race was a success, and was a huge moment for Georgia Game Changers Running Company as they worked with over 14 local sponsors of the race, who helped to bring the race to the streets and neighborhoods of Richmond Hill.

Lisa Brown, owner of the Hale Tea Company, and supporter of the Thornwell Home for Children, was thrilled with the turnout of the race, saying “It was definitely exciting to watch how the race has grown this year. We loved having the Thornwell children participate and it was wonderful that the residents of Richmond Place allowed us to have the race in their neighborhood.”

Ron and Sandra Elliott, race directors and owners of Georgia Game Changers, both agreed that the race would not have been possible without the support of the homeowners of Richmond Place, the Richmond Hill Police Department, multiple race sponsors, and the many volunteers.

Some of the biggest sponsors this year, included Optim Orthopedics and Dr Mark Kamelasan, who donated $500, to the Thornwell Home. Other local sponsors were Palmer Chiropractic, Jalapenos, Coastal Therapy, and Atlantic Foot & Ankle.

“The goal of our local races is not only to get people on the road to fitness, but to also raise money for a great cause,” Sandra Elliott said. “The Thornwell Home for Children is a great cause.”

The Thornwell Home for Children, located in Clinton, S.C., supports children from Georgia and Florida as well. It is a cottage-style home community for underprivileged and at-risk children.

Four children, three of them current residents of Thornwell, were at the race and were able to volunteer on the race course, as well as be a part of the medal ceremony, following the race.

Race participants were also treated to Power Ice Electrolyte frozen pops at the finish line, and were eligible for multiple prize drawings, following the race.

Brendan Vasher, the Masters male winner, had many compliments about the race. He posted on the company’s Facebook page, saying, “Well done on the race Georgia Game Changers!! The course was very well marked, managed, varied, and scenic. Additional kudos to the Richmond Hill Police Department and Endurance Race Services (race timing company). Thanks!!”

Although money and donations are still coming in, funds raised for the Thornwell Home for Children from the race look to be over $2500. An additional fundraising dinner was held later on Saturday, raising over $7,000, with all proceeds going to Thornwell.

Georgia Game Changers will host another Friday Night Fun Run at 6:30 p.m. Friday. For more information on this week’s events, call

Georgia Game Changers at 445-2163.

Overall 5K:
1. Josh Carson 5:24
2. Matthew LaPaglia 6:09
3. Loren Gernandt 6:10
4. Adrian Sardina 6:12
5. Corey Jones 6:14
6. Brendan Vasher 6:17
7. Mason Smith 6:23
8. Dan Pavlin 6:34
9. Finlay Wood 6:48
10. Harold Shorter 6:55
11. Kim Dicker 7:03.

See results by age group at  http://www.enduranceraceservices.com/files/2014ChiliPepper/