Proceeds from the annual Missionary Ridge Road Race were recently distributed to two local organizations, including the American Red Cross and team Team Bruner Foundation.
The race, directed by members of the Chattanooga Track Club and held annually in August, attracted more than 200 competitors and raised a substantial amount for both groups, including $1,074 for Team Bruner and $1,030 for the Red Cross.
Team Bruner was formed in memory of John Bruner, an avid young runner who collapsed and died during the 2007 race from a rare coronary artery problem. Funds from this foundation have provided scholarships for deserving high school runners in years past.
Greg Bruner, John’s father, stated that these funds will be returning to the running community next month as they will cover entry fees for elementary school runners who participate in the Silver Bell Sprint, a 5K race in downtown Dalton on Dec.
5 that benefits Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Northwest Georgia.
The local chapter of the American Red Cross is a charity-based organization with the primary objective of preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies. This group provides disaster relief to over 725,000 people in 11 counties across Southeast Tennessee and it depends on the generosity of volunteers and donors to make this service possible.
The Chattanooga Track Club is a non-profit organization with the primary goal of promoting running and fitness to folks of all ages and abilities. Last year alone, the CTC was able to generate more than $116,000 for local charities.
(Email John Hunt at nomarathonmoose@comcast.net)