Linda Allen is always looking for ways to raise money for KAMP Dovetail. So a few years ago when five KAMP volunteers, who come from Florida to Illinois and Cincinnati to Lynchburg, approached her about putting on a 5K event, she said sure.
As a result, the fourth annual Halloween Hustle 5K Run and One Mile Fun Walk will be held Saturday, Oct. 24 at Rocky Fork State Park. It’s open to walkers, runners, and even those in wheelchairs.
“I have five girls, I call them my five Ks, who work KAMP and they all wanted to do some type of run,” said Allen, the executive director of Supplemental Assistance to the Handicapped (SATH), which underwrites the cost of KAMP Dovetail each year. “They’re all runners and they came to me and said, ‘If we put this together can we raise money for KAMP.’”
Allen’s answer, of course, was yes, and she said the event has raised about $2,000 in each of its previous three years.
“I like to tap into all kinds of things people like to do and a lot of people like to run. What better way to tap into a different part of the community that maybe wouldn’t come to Turkey Bingo, a sweetheart dance or something lick that?” asked Allen, who holds various SATH fundraisers nearly every month.
KAMP Dovetail has been held for 34 years and is a five-day, four-night summer camp for children with special needs. It is held the third week of June at Rocky Fork State Park. This past year, Allen said, over 750 individuals including children with special needs, volunteers and staff members enjoyed a fun-filled week of outdoor camping experiences.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. the day of the race and is held at the KAMP Dovetail Activity Area in the park’s campgrounds. The race will start at 10 a.m. Registration is $25 before Oct. 17 and $30 the day of the race. You can register at http://kampdovetail5k.ezregister.com. Everyone who registers receives a T-shirt and “goodie bag.” T-shirts will also be on sale the day the race for non-racers.
Allen said everyone starts at the same time from approximately the same place, but there are three separate courses – for the runners, walkers, and those in wheelchairs.
Medals will be given to the top three individuals in men’s, women’s and walker categories.
There will also be a raffle and refreshments.
For more information call Allen at (937) 366-6657.
Reach Jeff Gilliland at 937-402-2522 or on Twitter @13gillilandj.
