10TH ANNUAL FIESTA 5K/15K RAISING FUNDS FOR ALS

For the 10th year in a row, runners and walkers will gather to raise awareness and funds for ALS at the FIESTA 5k/15k Challenge. The event takes place on Saturday, April 30, 2016 and organizers are excited about the new venue which is Fowler Park in Cumming. All proceeds benefit the Emory ALS Center in Atlanta.

What began as a very grassroots effort by a local family has grown into a tradition to kick off ALS Awareness Month which takes place in May. The race is hosted by Cure for ALS, a nonprofit organization created by Forsyth County residents, Karen, Mike, Brian, and Kevin Duffy. “Our first race in 2007 had just under 200 participants and raised $10,000. We became connected with the Emory ALS Center that first year and have raised over $250,000 for Emory from this annual race and our annual golf tournament,” says Cure for ALS Director, Karen Duffy. “We now have teams of fundraisers and groups of runners who come out each year. We are proud of how this race has grown. It is a great blend of both the running community who gets a well-organized race and the ALS community who comes in strength to honor those living with, or who have lost their lives to the disease.”

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neuromuscular disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord. It is universally fatal, taking away the ability to move, speak, swallow, and ultimately breathe. It can strike anyone without warning and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is 2-5 years. Approximately 30,000 people in the U.S. are living with ALS; over 500 are in Georgia.

The FIESTA 15K/5K Challenge features a 15K distance for long runners, a 5K distance, and a Fun Run. The 15K and 5K course is on the beautiful Big Creek Greenway and the Fun Run will be on the track at the park. Participants will receive a t-shirt, and all 15K finishers will receive a medal. The post-race party will have music, refreshments, and a Fiesta of Fun!

AWARDS

15k Race: Awards will be given to Overall Male/Female, Overall Masters Male/Female, and Top 3 in Age Groups.

5k Race: Overall Male/Female, Overall Masters Male/Female, and Top 3 in Age Groups.

Online registration is available until 3:00PM EST Thursday, April 28, 2016.

PACKET PICK UP:

Early Packet Pick Up – Friday April 29, 2016– 11am to 7pm at North GA Running Co, 5456 Bethel view Rd., Cumming, GA 30040. On-site registration is available on Friday and at the race Saturday morning beginning at 6:45am.

Cure for ALS, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support ALS Awareness, advocacy, and fundraising for viable treatments and an eventual cure.

# # #

For more information about Cure for ALS visit www.cureforals.com .

f]ɠ