Race to the Altar

Zach Bittinger and Sara Beth James race to raise support for Garrett Trails on their way to the altar. Photo credit Verglas Media

Race to the Altar – October 12, 2015 –

On the morning of their Sept. 26^th wedding, bride and groom Sara Beth James and Zach Bittinger took time to Run For It raising awareness and support for Garrett Trails, a volunteer organization dedicated to the development of a network of high-quality, sustainable trails providing access to Garrett County’s historic, municipal, and environmental treasures. Wedding guests were invited to join the team resulting in Garrett Trails having one of the largest teams in the fifty-three team line up with 44 team members.

Led by Team Captain Steven Green, Garrett Trails had a strong showing in the 5k community-benefit race held every fall in neighboring Tucker County.  $100 winners included: Ben Dougherty 2^nd Place and Mac Sloan 3^rd Place Male 30-39; Sara- Beth James 3^rd Place Female 30-39;  Steven Green 1^st Place and Doug Baker3^rd Place Male 40-49;  Stephanie Blank 3^rd Place Female 40-49; Larry Ferrens 1^st Place and Bill Dudley 2^nd Place Male 60-69; Jemma Crowe 1^st Place Female 60-69.  The team also won a $500 Gold Star Award, $250 Gold Star Wedding Day Award; and $250 Garrett County Commission Award.

Garrett Mentors, led by Laura Fike, had a strong team with 17 team members winning $1,250 in race day awards.  Haley Gillespie took top award in the Adult First to Finish 2k winning $500 for the mentoring program.  Other awards included a $500 Gold Star Award and $250 Garrett County Commission Award.

The 2k and 5k race held on the streets of Davis help raise support and awareness for nonprofits and community causes.  Hosted by the Tucker Community Foundation, the annual program has generated more than $940,000 since 2007 for a region that includes Garrett County.

Total proceeds from this year’s event exceeded $194,000 and represent ½ of team entry fees, 100% of team sponsor support and race day awards provided by the host organization, Tucker Community Foundation, in partnership with race sponsors who contribute to the purse. Six county commissions support the program contributing a total of $19,000 in prize money to nonprofits and community causes willing to Run For It.

Plans for the 2016 campaign are underway. For more information, contact the TCF Development Office at 304-259-5008.

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