Published: April 09, 2008 02:32 pm            

5/10K race event to raise funds for fighting drugs

Olive Hill residents are taking back their community. They are fighting against drug abuse by hosting a 5K or a10K walk or run race on April 12 at 7 a.m. Organizers of the event want you to participate.

“We want as many as possible. We are trying to get runners involved,” Linda Marmie told The Journal-Times. “We have about fifty people who have said they will participate. We do not have them pre-registered at this time. The goal is to have 500 people. “

“We have had a lot of word of mouth advertising about the event,” Marmie said. The more people who show up, we hope the community will see that we are supporting a drug-free environment for schools and public places in the community.”

Dr. Frank Lyons, his staff and Marmie have decided to be proactive in addressing the concerns in the community about the growing drug problem and drug abuse. It was this decision that sparked the idea for a walk or run benefit.

Marmie said the race means a lot to her socially and personally.

She said the race is significant because it is a means for fighting against drugs. Fighting against drugs can make Olive Hill a good and safe place to call home, event organizers said.

“I work occasionally in the office with Dr. Lyons,” she said. “When he went to medical school he said the community was very different because of the drug problem. “

This race will be for the purpose of raising awareness and money that will be used for drug treatment, prevention, and education in community and in area schools, she said.

“The race starts and ends at the West Carter Elementary School which is located off of US Route 60,” Marmie said.

"The race will wind through Olive Hill and end in Dr. Lyons’s office parking lot. We are planning a booth display by sponsors and vendors and there will be entertainment and a 50/50 raffle among other events," she said.

"We want people to show up because we have a live auction, vendors, door prizes and drug prevention education,” she said. “The live auction will be the highlight of the day. We do have a lot of nice items donated to help with the event.”

Also there will be a live concert featuring country music singer Jeff Tuttle. Admission for the concert is $10 per person. The concert will begin at 7 p.m.

“We are really excited about that because he donated his time to us and he is a former prescription drug addict who was self-admitted under the instruction of Dr. Lyons,” she said.

“I think it will be a dynamic concert. His music is very good,” she said. “The 50/50 raffle will be announced at the concert.”

“We want people to come out and support us and come and hang out and support Jeff Tuttle also,” she added.

For more information contact Dr. Frank Lyons at 286-1000 or Linda Marmie at 937-626-5763.

        

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