The ARK of South Carolina Alzheimer’s Family Support Services will host the 25th Annual McElveen Race For The ARK in historic downtown Summerville on August 24, 2024, beginning at 7:45 a.m., rain or shine. This event, a cornerstone in the local fight against Alzheimer's, will feature a 5K run/walk and a 1-mile fun run. It will culminate in a block party celebrating the 25th annual race from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., complete with live music, local vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
Proceeds from the race will directly support the ARK’s vital programs and services that provide hope and relief to families affected by Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementia (ADRD) through vital support services and community outreach.
With over 95,000 South Carolinians currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and 11.5% of people aged 45 and older experiencing subjective cognitive decline, the need for support has never been greater. In South Carolina alone, 197,000 family caregivers provide 296 million hours of unpaid care.
“The McElveen Race For The ARK not only raises crucial funds but also shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by these caregivers and the broader community,” said Peg Lahmeyer, Executive Director of The ARK. “This event funds programs such as memory screenings, resource fairs, educational workshops, and support groups in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties, plus respite centers in Harleyville and Summerville.”
Registration Details:
- 5K run/walk: $35 with a t-shirt, $25 without a t-shirt
- 1-mile fun run: $10, or $30 for a family of four (shirts not included)
- Packet pickup: August 23 from noon to 6 p.m. at The ARK House (502 W 5th N St, Summerville) and on-site the race day from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m.
- Registration will increase by $5 in each race category on the race day
- Registrants will receive a towel sponsored by Trident Medical Center.
Corporate and Youth Team Challenges:
- Corporate Team Challenge: Businesses can create teams of five or more runners. The winning team will receive a hand-crafted traveling trophy to display for one year. Registration is $500, with a deadline of August 5.
- Youth Team Challenge: Local schools are invited to compete. Registration is $35 with a t-shirt and $25 without, and the deadline is August 5. Students under 18 must have a parent or guardian waiver signed. Registration for Youth Teams can be done through high school coaches and online.
- Businesses interested in being a vendor at the block party celebration, please contact Michel’le Cathey at info@thearkofsc.org.
Awards will be given to the top three female and top three male winners in several age groups. An additional $100 will be awarded to the first male and female to break the course records. The current course record is held by Irv Batten at 15:40 and Shannon Bain at 17:43.
Learn more and register for the Race for The ARK at thearkofsc.org.