ARK of South Carolina Alzheimer’s Family Support Services will host the 25th annual McElveen Race for ARK at 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 24 in downtown Summerville, rain or shine.

The event, a cornerstone in the local fight against Alzheimer’s, includes a 5K run/walk and a mile recreational run, culminating in a street party for the 25th annual run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with live music, local vendors, food trucks and family-friendly activities.

Proceeds from the race will go directly to ARK programs and services that provide assistance to families affected by Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia (ADRD) through support services and community outreach.

“The McElveen Race for the ARK not only raises critical funds, but also shines a light on the challenges faced by caregivers and the broader community,” said Peg Lahmeyer, executive director of The ARK. “The event funds programs such as memory screenings, resource fairs, educational workshops and support groups in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester and Orangeburg counties, as well as respite centers in Harleyville and Summerville.”

With more than 95,000 South Carolinians currently living with Alzheimer’s and 11.5% of those ages 45 and older experiencing subjective cognitive decline, the need for support has never been greater. In South Carolina alone, 197,000 family caregivers provide 296 million hours of unpaid care.

Registration details

• 5K Run/Walk: $35 with shirt, $25 without shirt.
• One-Mile Recreation Run: $10 or $30 for a family of four (T-shirts not included).
• Packet Pickup: August 23 from 12:00-6:00 p.m. at The ARK House (502 W 5th N. St. in Summerville) and on-site on race day from 6:30-7:30 a.m.
• The registration fee will increase by $5 in each race category on race day.
• Registered persons will receive a towel provided by Trident Medical Center.

Challenges for Corporate and Youth Teams

• Challenge for the corporate team: Companies can form teams of five or more runners. The winning team will receive a handmade traveling trophy to display for a year. Registration is $500 and the deadline is Aug. 5.
• Youth Team Challenge: Local schools are invited to compete. Registration is $35 with a jersey and $25 without, and the deadline is Aug. 5. Students under 18 must have a signed waiver from a parent or guardian. Registration for youth teams can be done through high school coaches and online.

Businesses interested in participating in the street event are asked to contact Michel’le Cathey at [email protected].

Prizes will be awarded to the top three female and male finishers in several age groups. An additional $100 will be awarded to the first male and female finishers to break course records. The current course record is held by Irv Batten at 15:40, and Shannon Bain at 17:43.

Learn more and register for Race for The ARK at thearkofsc.org.