By Morgan Bryce
Associate Editor
Promoting exercise and a healthy lifestyle is the goal of the second annual “I Run Opelika Health Expo and 5K Run/Walk” Aug. 18 in downtown Opelika, presented by Laxson Financial Group, LLC.
Event organizer Andre Marcus said last year’s event was a huge success, drawing 115 runners, 25 volunteers and 12 vendors for the health expo, as well as raising $2,600 for East Alabama Medical Center’s Cornerstone Foundation.
“This event went from me trying to give back to Cornerstone and trying to promote health to now where I’m partnering with local/state organizations and people to make a bigger impact on health and wellness in our area,” Marcus said.
Representatives from EAMC and other local medical organizations will be present at the expo from 7-11 a.m, which is free and open to the public. They will offer a wide scope of services, including health screenings, massages, meal planning tips and more.
The run/walk, which begins at 8 a.m., has a path that takes participants through the streets of historic downtown Opelika, beginning and ending in front of the Lee County Courthouse.
Following is a list of sponsors for this year’s event:
Big Dawg Partner – Laxson Financial Group, LLC
Community Partners – The Cornerstone Foundation of East Alabama Medical Center
EAMC
Water Stop Partner – Harris Funeral Home, Inc.
Health and Wellness Partners – Complete Care Chiropractic
Unity Wellness Center
RehabWorks
Anytime Fitness
Race Partners – Panera Bread (will provide breakfast for run/walk participants morning of race)
Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau
Sam’s Club
Strava.
Marcus said that those who register in advance of the race are guaranteed a “SWAG Bag,” which contains a water bottle, coupons to local business, informational pamphlets and more.
Advance registration forms can be filled out by visiting www.runsignup.com/Race/AL/Opelika/IRunOpelika. The cost of the 1-mile run/Walk is $20 and the 5K Run/Walk is $25 until Saturday, when the cost increases to $35.
Day-of registration lasts from 6:45 – 7:15 a.m.
Proceeds from the event will be shared between the Cornerstone Foundation and YES, I Run Opelika, Marcus’s nonprofit dedicated to cultivating the youth of today and preparing them to be the leaders of tomorrow.
For additional information, visit www.irunopelika.com.