Proceeds to benefit local, state and national autism organizations
Ready, set, help! More than 400 runners of all ages raced to the end of summer at the third annual Alys Beach 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run.
The annual event is sponsored by The Alys Foundation, which also produces the 30A Wine Festival (March 6-8, 2015) and Digital Graffiti (June 4-6, 2015).
The 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run became town tours of sorts leading runners down roadways, pathways and nature trails on a sunny late summer morning throughout the beautiful community of Alys Beach in South Walton.
After the races, racers relaxed at a post-race awards party featuring Grayton Beer, Vivo Spa Salon, Piper's and 30A Pop Stop including a raffle and music by Shane from Rock the House. Little racers cooled off in the Fountain and chilled on the grass in the Amphitheater. Many returned later in the evening to enjoy a live concert and fireworks display.
This year's race was held in honor of Jon Starkey, who is the son of an Alys Beach homeowner, who has autism. Starkey, 40, designed the artwork showcased on the official race t-shirts.
This event was made possible for The Alys Foundation with generous support from all our sponsors; including, EBSCO Industries, Inc., Comer Companies, LLC, the Starkey Family, the Frist Family and Galvas Construction, Inc.
Proceeds from the event raised $60,000. The Alys Foundation provided $20,000 each in the name of the Starkey Family to Autism Society Emerald Coast, Autism Society Georgia and Autism Society of America, the nation's leading grassroots autism organization.
"It is such a privilege and an honor to be a part of something special where so many people are pulling together for a common cause. A very deep thank you to everyone who made it possible," said Jason L. Comer, Director of The Alys Foundation.
2014 Race Results & Winners Overall 5K Run Results Overall Male: David Seymour Overall Female: Amy Stoyles Overall Male 21 & Over: Ben Boyle Overall Female 21 & Over: Lindsey Smith Overall Male 20 & Under: Trace Walters Overall Female 20 & Under: Teeghan Schuessler
Overall 1 Miler Run Results Overall Male: Jay Wright Overall Female: Kendall Camp Overall Male 5 & Under: Brandon Morgalls Overall Female 5 & Under: Decker Stedman Overall Male 6-9: Andrew Walsh Overall Female 6-9: Ella Spence Overall Male 10-12: Tyler Walsh Overall Female 10-12: Darla Ellison