Jog for Jake set for Oct. 2

By Latasha Everson/The Tifton Gazette CNHI

TIFTON — Jog for Jake 2010 is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Tift County High School. Check-in opens at 5 p.m., the “5K Road Race” begins at 6:30 p.m. and the “One Mile Fun Run” begins at 7:15 p.m.

In November 2007, Jake Stewart lost his life in a car accident. According to John Bowen, public relations director for Jog for Jake, one of Stewart’s joys in life was helping children find happiness and a passion for living that he had found within himself at a young age. He dedicated his heart and soul to bringing smiles across children’s faces and helping them see the joy that can be found in everyday life.

Bowen said that in honor of Stewart’s love for children, Jog for Jake was created.

“The first race was in 2008,” Bowen said. “The Stewart family and about 10 or 12 of us on a committee spearheaded the idea and have kept it running.”

The money raised through Jog for Jake benefits Toys for Tots. This foundation provides hope and love to help needy children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas with gifts that they would normally not receive.

Bowen said all proceeds will go to sponsor the United Way’s local Toys for Tots effort, so that children around the Tift County area will receive the message of hope that Jog for Jake and Toys for Tots hope to deliver.

Last year, more than $18,000 was raised to benefit and provide kids throughout the community with Christmas gifts. With this year’s race, they’re hoping to provide even more kids with gifts.

Registration is currently open for anyone interested in racing. Now through Sept. 27, the 5K Road Race and One Mile Fun Run fees are $18 each. On Sept. 27 through race day, they will be $25 each.

Racers can register online at Active.com, by mail or on site the day of the race.

At Active.com, registration is open until Sept. 27. Racers can pre-register online to ensure they will receive a 2010 Jog for Jake T-shirt and goodie bag.

If racers choose to register by mail, they need to print out a registration form and mail it with postmarked payment to Jog for Jake at 112 Long Pine Road, Tifton, GA 31794.

If racers choose to wait until the day of the race, registration forms will be available on site.

Make checks payable to United Way-Jog for Jake Fund. Registration includes participation in the event, a 2010 Jog for Jake T-shirt and a goodie bag.

5K awards will be given in the following categories: Top Male and Female Overall, Top Male and Female Masters and Top Male and Female Grand Masters. In addition, 5K awards will be presented to the top three in 16 age categories from 10 and under to 80 and over. Every finisher of the One Mile Fun Run will receive a medallion.

To contact reporter Latasha Everson, call 382-4321.

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