Dreary weather couldn’t keep the participants of this year’s Run for Hope out of the running; while the event was slightly postponed due to the rain, runners were on their mark, set, and gone while a drizzle was still in the air.

TIFTON — A little rain and poor weather couldn’t wash away the supporters of the 2024 Run for Hope this past weekend.

At the annual marathon’s third showing in the Tiftarea, community members assembled at the First Baptist Church of Tifton the morning of March 9 to raise $5,400 for local nonprofit House of Hope, an organization dedicated to supporting and providing for homeless women in the community.

Though the inclement weather slightly postponed proceedings, the marathon eventually continued once the rain had subsided into a lighter drizzle.

Event organizers reported 74 runners signing up across the 5K and fun run, who walked, jogged, and sprinted from the church parking lot down Fourth Street to Ridge Avenue, Sixth Street, and then back up Central Avenue.

At the conclusion of the marathon, the runners were handed out awards for their performance. Winners were chosen across age groups and male and female categories, with Joseph Knoll and Cindy Marzen earning the Master ranking and Sergio Martinez and Madison Miracle being declared the overall champs of the entire event.

The funds raised from this event will go to helping House of Hope provide care and shelter to Tiftarea women in need of a place to stay or a helping hand.

For more information on House of Hope’s services or how to get involved, visit their website or contact (229) 396-5990.