DAHLONEGA, GA

Runners of all ages and abilities, along with a multitude of volunteers came together for Connectability’s Race For A Reason 5/10K in at Handock Park in Lumpkin County, GA on September 8.

Jon Crais and teammates cross the finish line

Jacquline Daniel founded the Dahlonega charity in 2001, with one goal: to serve adults and children with special needs and also provide support to their friends and families. According to Connectability’s website, Daniel had asked a simple question,”Were there any groups in the Dahlonega area for children and adults with disabilities.” The response she received? “No, but why don’t you get that started?”

Daniel also explained that,”Race for a Reason was inspired by James and I running a 5k in 2015. The teams ran nearly 500 miles this season!“

Daniel has recruited the help of many people who share in her vision to “Support for families affected by disability by providing programs to all family members: parents, siblings and extended family as well as the individuals with disabilities.”

Race For A Reason is a fundraiser that, “Builds partnerships of athletes of all abilities with the goal of training and racing together.” Daniel explains on the organization’s website that, “Our teams participate in regular training runs, compete in local 5K & 10K races and build lasting friendships in the process. ConnectAbility provides all racing equipment and race entry fees at no cost to members.”

Male winners of the 5k include: Will Edwards- first place in the 0-14 age category, as well as first place overall in the male-runners category. Jeffery Pruitt-first place in the 15-19 age category. Ben Hall-first place in the 20-29 age category. Scott Beardsley- first place in the 30-39 age category. James Hearn- first place in the 40-49 age category. Mark Morawski-first place in the 50-59 age category, and Gerald Lord, who placed first in the 60- age category.

Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacey Jarrard poses with his children after crossing the Fun Run finish line. Jarrard also ran with Russell’s team.

Male winners of the 10k include: Matt Stephenson-first place in the 0-14 age category. Shawn McNerney-first place in the 15-19 age category. Zach Schofill-first place in the 20-29 age category, as well as first place overall in the male-runners category. Stephen Carter-first place in the 30-39 age category. J. Todd Spradlin-first place in the 40-49 age category, and Kevin Redd, who placed first in the 50-59 age category.

Female winners of the 5k race include: Mna Sorensen-first place in the 0-14 age category. Madison Crews-first place in the 15-19 age category. Annie Pruitt-first place in the 20-29 age category. Elizabeth Conto-first place in the 30-39 age category. Betsy York- first place in the 40-49 age category, as well as first place overall in the female-runners category. Pamela Jones-first place in the 50-59 age category, and Patricia Decraene, who placed first in the 60- age category.

Female winners of the 10k race include: Jessie Massey-first place in the 20-29 age category, as well as first place overall in the female-runners category. Amanda Ostrosky-first place in the 30-39 age category. Tammy DAniel- first place in the 40-49 age category, as well as first place overall in the female-runners category, and Terry Carnes, who placed first in the 60- age category. Race placement and times can be found here.

A children’s Fun Run was held after the 5k/10k races as well.

Winners presented with handmade vases donated by famous Dahlonega potter, Brad Walker, of Brad Walker Pottery, and more information on Connectability’s Race For A Reason can be found here.

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