The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Guild's (CSO Guild) Sixteenth Annual Symphony & Opera Classic Run will begin with a crash of cymbals on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 8:30 a.m., and registration begins at 7 a.m.
Proceeds from the 5K event benefit the CSO Guild Sally Brewer Scholarship program for young, local musicians. Early registration costs $13, and after Sept. 11, registration is $15.
The race begins and ends in Coolidge Park and loops through Heritage Landing. Walkers are welcome, but please, no pets or strollers. The USA Track and Field certified course is flat and fast, making it appealing to both seasoned runners and novices alike, said race officials. It also provides an opportunity to train for longer races later in the season.
All registered participants receive t-shirts, and prizes are awarded to overall and bracket winners, male and female.
Co-chairs for the event are CSO Guild members Kris Mercer and Cynthia Fagan. "The Symphony & Opera Classic Run is a long-standing tradition in Chattanooga that raises money to assist in music education," said Mercer. "The race usually attracts about 200 runners, and we look forward to a large crowd again this year."
To register or volunteer at the event, please call (423) 267-8583 ext. 104 or visit the Chattanooga Track Club's website at www.chattanoogatrackclub.org. The site also lists previous years' winners.
Sponsors of this year's Symphony & Opera Classic Run are: Chattanooga Track Club, Panera, Powerade, Carpets Plus, Shire Facial Plastic Surgery, Realty Center GMAC, Republic Parking System, Covista Communications, Petty & Landis, PC, Gary Chazen, Yessik's Design Center, Olsten Staffing Services, SMP Industries, Inc., Waffle House, Signal Mountain Travel and Maaco Auto Painting.