17th Annual Mayor's 5K Challenge

The 17th Annual Mayor’s Challenge 5K Road Race and Block Party on August 17 to help Rotary raise over $75,000 to meet the needs of local charities was a fun occasion. Despite an intermittent drizzle that kept away some potential participants, 431 people registered for the 5K challenge event.  Many more enjoyed the family-friendly live music, food and camaraderie in the heart of historic downtown Alpharetta.

This was a Peachtree Qualifying race, so there were some serious runners, like Mark Hhawu, who finished first in 17 minutes, 55.42 seconds. When asked how he would do, Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle responded, “Not well. We had actually challenged another mayor, so I was training, but he had to take his son to college so we won’t be able to compete today.”

Many jogged, some walked or pushed baby strollers and one teamed up with his dog. The last person to cross the finish line was Mercy Vennel, who finished in just under an hour.

Rick Tranor, CEO of Business Services at Lexis Nexis, a presenting sponsor, was there with his team “working hard to try and get under 25 minutes.” Carl Black of Roswell provided the pace car.

Jacob Edwards, 10, and Jaime Regan, 9, were the first boy and girl in the 10 and under age group to finish. Harold Frediani, 70, the only entrant in the 70-98 age category came in 186 overall, a respectable ranking.

The free Kids Fun Run took about a minute and a half for a pack of screaming, laughing children to run about the length of a football field with their parents cheering them on.

Support of this event, their largest fundraiser of the year, helps Rotary meet the needs of local charities including the Drake House, StandUp for Kids, Child Development Association, North Fulton Community Charities, Habitat for Humanity and others as well as having a global impact on polio eradication, clean water projects and humanitarian and medical aid.