Runners and bicyclists enjoyed a taste of Bryan County on Saturday along their fundraising journey across Georgia.

Pembroke was the first stop for the annual Run for the Heroes, a cross-state trek from Fort Stewart to Fort Benning.

The run/bike ride raises money to make home repairs at no cost for military and public-safety veterans who are disabled, elderly, living on a fixed income or facing some other physical or financial challenge.

“This is a difficult 260-mile venture and these teams and individuals make it look like it’s a breeze,” said Sharroll Fanslau, the director of the Downtown Development Authority of Pembroke. “We’re so excited for all of them and look forward to hosting this again next year.”

The runners and bikers came into Pembroke on Highway 119, turned onto Highway 280 and stopped at a break area set up at the Alco store. The participants enjoyed drinks, fresh-grilled sausage brats, fruit and fresh muffins homemade by Mayor Mary Warnell and her sister.

The Run for the Heroes route through Pembroke was lined with American flags. Some community members got up early on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to cheer on the runners and bicyclists.

“It was great to see them all,” Fanslau said. “What a wonderful cause.”

The fundraiser is sponsored by the House of Heroes Chattahoochee Valley Chapter. The organization’s goal this year is to make free house repairs for 50 homeowners.