GAINESVILLE - Memorial Day weekend kicked off early Saturday morning for the exercise conscious at Riverside Military Academy with the third annual 5K Freedom Fun Run/Walk hosted by Vietnam Veterans Chapter 772.
Around 120 runners and walkers hit the tract at 8 a.m. sharp at Maginnis Field for the challenging course that was mostly uphill.
Harvey Gayer from Athens finished in 19 minutes to be the first to complete the course.
"It was a great start. We're all honored to be helping the people who serve the country," Gayer said. "It was a tough course, the heat got up. Once you started climbing the back hill it was a three quarter mile climb to finish."
Chapter president Bill Harris said all proceeds from the event go to help veterans.
"If we have veterans or their families that need assistance of any type, with their VA papers or anything, that's what we're here for," Harris said.
Thursday
October 17th, 2024
8:35PM
