Angels’ Place 5K Race is earlier this year, set for May 22, instead of in September as before.
“We wanted to try a new approach, avoid college football games,” said Paul Maxwell of Clarkston, who started the race in 2008.
The one-mile Fun Race starts at 9:30 a.m.; 5K walk and run, 10 a.m., Saturday, May 22, at St. Daniel’s Church, 7010 Valley Park Drive. Registration is $20/individual, $60/family.
“The purpose of this race is to build awareness of individuals with developmental disabilities and provide outreach for Angels’ Place programs,” Maxwell said. “Fourteen years ago, my sister needed a safe, secure, loving environment. Angels’ Place stepped in and placed her into one of their homes. She now has a family and enjoys an active lifestyle, including a daily job.”
Hundreds of runners, walkers and volunteers netted more than $16,000 in the first two Angels’ Place races.
“Our goal this year is 250 runners,” Maxwell said. “We have a lot of great volunteers. Runners and walkers enjoy the course.”
Several local businesses including Clarkston Woodshop, Deer Lake Athletic Club, John Bowman Chevrolet, Great Lakes Athletic Club, Kinetic Systems, Mesquite Creek, and Mr. B’s, donated door prizes for participants.
Also, local car dealers and the U.S. Army will display vehicles in a mini car show.
An Angels’ Place fundraiser is also Thursday, May 13, 5-10 p.m., at Clarkston Big Boy, 6440 Dixie Highway. A portion of customers’ bills go to the race.
Angels’ Place is a non-profit organization providing homes, professional support, and other services for those with developmental disabilities. For more information, check www.angelsplacerace.org.