Local Special Olympics to Host 5K in June

The Area 4 Special Olympics of Mississippi in Oxford is hosting the Run in the Sun 5K on June 7 at the Oxford Conference Center.
Proceeds from the race will go to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Lafayette, Panola, Yalobusha, Grenada, Calhoun, and Tallahatchie counties to compete in local, state, and national athletic competitions.
In addition to a 5K run that winds through 3.1 miles of Oxford’s most beautiful neighborhoods, there are incredible door and raffle prizes from local businesses, live music, and free snacks provided by McAlister’s Deli, Walmart and Pepsi.
According to race organizer and NMRC recreation therapist Will Cook, the “worst” door prize is dinner for two at Ajax Diner on the Oxford Square. “If that’s the worst, then we’ve got some pretty great stuff to give away,” Cook said.
Other raffle items include a night for two in Tunica, Miss., a gift bag from GNC, and gift certificates to many of Oxford’s best restaurants.
The race begins at 8 a.m. at the Oxford Conference Center on Sisk Ave. with registration at the property’s Hampton Inn. Click Here to sign up to run the 5k on June 7. It costs just $25 to sign up prior to race day and $30 the day of.
The Run in the Sun 5K is looking for both race participants and volunteers to pass out water and snacks, register runners, and help with the raffle and door prizes. If you’re interested in volunteering on race day, please contact Will Cook at wrcook1@gmail.com.
Be sure to also follow Run in the Sun on Facebook and on Twitter (@SoSunRun).

– Kate Wallace, managing editor for HottyToddy.com, kate.wallace@hottytoddy.com