The ARK of South Carolina Alzheimer’s Family Support Services will host the 26th Annual McElveen Race For The ARK in historic downtown Summerville on Saturday, August 23, 2025, beginning at 7:45 a.m., rain or shine. The event features a 5K run/walk and a 1-mile fun run, both starting and ending at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church (206 Central Avenue) on a USA Track & Field (USATF)-certified course, ensuring an accurately measured route through scenic downtown Summerville.
All proceeds from the race benefit The ARK’s comprehensive programs serving families living with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementia (ADRD) in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties.
With over 95,000 South Carolinians currently living with Alzheimer’s and more than 197,000 family caregivers providing 296 million hours of unpaid care, the need for community support has never been greater.
“The McElveen Race for The ARK is one of our biggest fundraisers and a powerful way to spotlight the needs of families facing the realities of Alzheimer’s and dementia,” said Peg Lahmeyer, Executive Director of The ARK. “Race proceeds help fund support groups, memory screenings, education workshops, resource fairs, and social respite programs at our Summerville and Harleyville locations.”
Race and Registration Details:
- 5K run/walk: $35 with a t-shirt or $25 without
- 1-mile fun run: $10
- Registration deadline: Online registration closes at noon on Friday, August 22
- Packet pickup: Friday, August 22, from noon to 6 p.m. at The ARK House (502 W. 5th North St., Summerville) and on race day at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 206 Central Ave. Summerville, from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m.
- Race day registration: Increases by $5 in each category
- Perks: Each 21+ participant showing their bib and valid ID receives one free post-race beer
Team Competitions:
Corporate Challenge: Businesses are invited to form five-person teams. Registration is $500 per team and includes t-shirts, race entries, and a chance to compete for the Corporate Challenge trophy. The deadline for t-shirt inclusion is August 1.
Youth Challenge: Students can join as part of school-based teams. Registration is $35 with a shirt or $25 without, with parental waivers required for those under 18.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Local businesses can support The ARK while receiving promotional benefits. Sponsorship levels include:
- Marathoner ($1,500) – Premier recognition, banners, booths, shirts, and website presence
- Long Distance ($750) – Logo placement, team entry, booth, and recognition
- Corporate Challenge ($500) – Team entry, logo on shirts, and recognition
- Sprinter ($350) – Booth and runner bag presence
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. Online registration closes at noon on Friday, August 22, 2025.