GARDEN OF LIFE INAUGURAL 5K SUN RUN CHALLENGE
Surpasses Goals and Raises $ 20,000 for Special Olympics
There was more than enough sun , lots of fun , and plenty of smiles to go around when Garden of Life ® hosted its first 5K Sun Run Challenge recently at PGA National Resort & Spa . The exciting community event drew more than 1,000 spectators and attracted runners from throughout the country , quickly establishing the Sun Run as the premier racing event in Palm Beach County .
“ This event exceeded all of our expectations ,” said Garden of Life President Brian Ray . “ Thanks to our employees and volunteers who spent months working on this event to make it memorable for everyone , we had a great time and raised $ 20,000 for Special Olympics in the process . We estimated we ’ d have 500 attendees for this first-time event , but we doubled that and couldn ’ t be more pleased !”
News of the Sun Run spread quickly when the racing community and local residents learned Garden of Life would be giving away a new Honda Fit car valued at $ 20,000 in a random drawing and cash prizes of $ 2,500 for the top racers in the men ’ s and women ’ s divisions . Elite mountain runner Joe Gray traveled from Colorado Springs to win the Men ’ s Elite Heat and set a course record with a time of 14:12 . Jennifer Bergman captured first in the Women ’ s Heat with a time of 17:06 after traveling from Flagstaff , Arizona .
“ The prize money was too good to pass up ,” said Bergman . “ And the fact that the race benefited Special Olympics was an extra bonus !”
In a random drawing with all participants receiving an equal chance , local resident Karen Sweeney was overjoyed when her name was drawn for a Honda Fit car valued at $ 20,000 .
“ I ’ ve never won anything !” Sweeney exclaimed as she hugged Brian Ray and accepted the car keys . “ This is amazing !”
Rich Fleming , Director of Special Olympics Palm Beach County , said he was appreciative of Garden of Life ’ s ongoing support throughout the years and that the athletes were looking forward to competing again next year .
“ It was wonderful to see all of our friends , neighbors and competitors from all over the country turning out for this special day ,” he said . “ We know that whatever Garden of Life has planned for this event in 2017 , it will be even more exciting !”
Vol 28 • Extraordinary Health ™ 55