The 2013 Sun King 5K Memorial Run and Walk will continue its tradition of celebrating and honoring lost loved ones in a 5K race that will benefit Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area (HFHMCA).
The 13th annual Sun King run will be held at 8 a.m. Oct. 19 at St. James Episcopal Church, 3921 Oakridge Dr. in Jackson. The annual run through the Fondren neighborhood streets will feature a 5K run and walk and a 1-mile fun run for children.
Originally organized in 1999 in memory of tri-athlete Earnest Davidson, the annual Sun King is a unique way to remember, honor and celebrate the lives of lost loved ones. “It is our hope that families will participate and/or sponsor the Sun King 5K in memory of someone they wish to remember and honor in this way,” said Amy Davidson, event founder. “As in the past several years, funds raised from the 2013 Sun King Memorial 5K will benefit Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area.”
HFHMCA works with area churches, businesses, civic clubs, groups and individuals to build decent, affordable housing for families in need. Since it was founded in 1986, more than 580 homes have been built, empowering families through home ownership while stabilizing neighborhoods and contributing to the tax base and local economy.
The race awards are glass “sun dancers” made by Davidson family friend and artist B. J. Hatten of Enterprise, Miss. The “sun dancers” will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place finishers in each race division. This year there also will be a cash prize for the overall male and female winners in the run and walk events.
Registration is available online at www.sunking5k.com or www.mstrackclub.com. Registration forms also may be picked up at St. James Episcopal Church on Oakridge Drive in Jackson and at Fleet Feet Sports in Ridgeland. The pre-registration deadline has passed and on-site registration the day of the race begins at 6:30 a.m. For more information, contact Thad Hopper at (601) 954-2038 or Larry Allen at (601) 260-7648.
Terricha Bradley-Phillips 