Georgia Game Changers Running Company and a number of other Richmond Place Plaza’s businesses, including Jalapeno’s Mexican Restaurant of Richmond Hill, and the Hale Tea Company, will be hosting what is sure to be one of the area’s ‘hottest’ summer road races Saturday.
The Red Hot Chili Pepper 5K race, set to benefit the Thornwell Home for Children, an orphanage located in Clinton, South Carolina, that serves neglected, abused, and unwanted children from Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, will both start and finish at Georgia Game Changers Running Company in Richmond Hill.
“We are excited to bring the race to the heart of Richmond Hill and to the local neighborhood,” said Sandra Elliott, owner of Game Changers. “Having the start& finish arch right here at the store, is something we have wanted to do since we opened two years ago."
The race is also a celebration of the store's two-year anniversary. Game Changers Running Company opened its doors on Opening Day of the 2012 Summer Olympics.
According to Elliott, “This year's race would not be possible without the Home Owners Association of Richmond Place Subdivision, the Richmond Hill Police Department, and the local businesses who are working together to support it.”
The Red Hot Chili Pepper 5K is already generating excitement and support of the local area runners. Over 130 participants are already signed up to participate, exceeding last year's total, and that number will grow, since Packet Pick up is set for Friday from 10-7pm at Game Changers.
This year’s race also includes a unique opportunity to further support the Thornwell Home for Children.
Lisa Brown, owner of Hale Tea Company, and a supporter of Thornwell, plans to host her 5th annual Thornwell Home Fundraising Party on the same night at the Belle Isle Clubhouse on Belle Island Rd at 7pm. The evening soiree includes dinner, music, and both a live and silent auctions.
Thornwell Home is one of the few privately funded children’s homes that remain in the U.S. today. As a Member of the Board of Visitors, and a sponsor of Anita Nancy Cottage at Thornwell Home, I have seen firsthand how the placement of children at Thornwell is able to break the cycle of abuse, and give children hope for a brighter future. This is a rare and special opportunity for us to give back and see the impact right here in our own our communities. To learn more please visit www.thornwell.org.
Runners can get a special discount by signing up for both the race and the evening celebration.
Top Male and Female runners this year will each receive a voucher for a free pair of Topo Athletic running shoes, and Top Male and Female Masters Runners will also be honored, along with other age group winners who will receive medals.
One of Game Changers’ employees, Morgan (Moe) Stubblefield, designed the logo for the t-shirts, and is thrilled her design will be both on the shirts and this year’s medals.
"It is exciting to be a part of such a special event. I love being able to see people walk around in something I have created," said Stubblefield.
This year’s race also marks the two-year anniversary of Georgia Game Changers Running Company, which will be moving by year’s end to their new location on Hwy 144, at Game Changers Gateway Plaza.
“What awesome opportunities both the race and evening events are for our local community to support an important and ‘game changing’ organization for children.” said Elliott. “Game Changers Running Company is always proud to be a part of helping others through fitness opportunities, and we hope to grow this race into a huge community event in coming years.”
Those interested in the race can sign up at www.savannahraces.com and can call the running store, at 445-2163, for more information.
Those interested in the evening fundraiser can sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thornwell-home-for-children-fundraising-party-tickets-12021706247.