More than 1,200 runners and walkers will lace up their shoes and hit the road at the Covington Family YMCA’s 16th annual Cheerios Challenge on Sat., April 15, 2017. This event supports the Y’s “Why It Matters” annual fundraising campaign, which makes Y programs such as summer day camp, the after-school program, swim lessons, and youth soccer possible for everyone.
Last year, the Cheerios Challenge raised $21,500.The Cheerios Challenge is a fun, family event for all ages. New to the race this year is a 15K, which is 9.3 miles. In addition, participants can choose between the 10K, 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run. There is also a 50 yard dash called Trix Tot Trot for kids age two to five. The 1-mile fun run is an event the whole family can do together.
Walkers, runners, and strollers are welcome. The 10K and 5k are more competitive, as they are AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifiers and USATF certified routes. Medals and prizes will be awarded to the top finishers.
“This event is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Louly Hay-Kapp, executive director of the Covington Family YMCA. “We are incredibly grateful to the community and all of our sponsors including General Mills for their ongoing support. Many families in our community will be able to participate in Y programs due to their generosity.”
All races start and finish at the Y, which is located at 2140 Newton Drive, Covington, GA 30014. Participants can register three ways – online at Active.com through Wed., April 12, in person at the Y beforehand or the morning of the race, or via mail. Please note that the registration fee increases on April 8 so if mailing your registration, it must arrive by April 7. To mail a registration visit www.facebook.com/CovCheeriosChal to download the form and mail it to the Covington Family YMCA.
The 15K will begin at 7 a.m. followed by the 10K at 7:30 a.m., the 5K at 8:30 a.m., the 1 Mile at 9:15 a.m. and the Tot-Trot at 9:30 a.m.
Covington Family YMCA will provide child care for race participants from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Child care will be offered in the Y After School Building next to the main building. This will be free for Y facility members and available to nonmembers for a cost of $10/child. A separate child care registration form is required and must be completed by April 7.
After the race, participants can stick around and enjoy the festivities, which will take place at the finish line. There will be a DJ, General Mills characters and vendors who are offering giveaways and information as well as interactive activities (fitness challenges, face painting and more). Runners can also stop by the photo backdrop to snap a pic of their fun day!
For more information on the course, parking and more, visit: www.facebook.com/CovCheeriosChal
