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, are joining to host what is sure to be one of the area’s ‘hottest’ summer road races on Saturday, July 26th at 8:00 am.
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 and finish arch right here at the store, is something we have wanted to do since we opened two years ago.”
According to Elliott, “moving the race from last year’s location of Henderson Park, is both exciting and challenging, and would not have been 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 50 runners are signed up, and that number is expected to grow to over 200 in the coming weeks.
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 huge 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 remains in the U.S. today. As a Member of the Board of Visitors, and a sponsor of Anita Nancy Cottage at Thornwell Home, she has 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 a chocolate foot from All Things Chocolate ( a race ‘tradition’), with other age group winners receiving 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 2-year anniversary of Georgia Game Changers Running Company, who 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.”
Elliott said other local businesses joining as race sponsors are the Urgent Care Center of Richmond Hill, Palmer Chiropractic, as well as Essential Kneads Massage, and Optim Orthopedics.
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.