For fun and charity

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Nearly 300 people helped raise more $13,000 for local charities and non-profit organizations Saturday during the fourth annual Amazing Race of Highland County centered at Liberty Park in Hillsboro.

The purpose of the race is to give local residents something fun and healthy to do, while also raising funds for charities and non-profits, who each manage a challenge station along the course that competitors must complete before moving on.

This year 21 non-profits and charities, plus the Highland County YMCA, each received $500 for helping.

A total of 110 two-person teams participated, plus about 75 kids participated in a new kids race after the seven to eight kilometer long main race.

“It was a lot of fun. In past years kids would line up at the finish line just waiting to jump in the mud,” event organizer Dr. DJ Jamieson said. “This year they were lined up at starting gate about 25 minutes before the race was even over and then we sent them off in age groups. They had fun.

“We had more sponsors this year they we’ve ever had and there were about 20 sponsors for the kids race. The community was fantastic, everything went off without a hitch, and it seems to get easier each year.”

The overall winners were the Fast Phenoms – Nathan Hauke and Brandon Phelps – in 1:13:04. Second place went to Brandenburg – Elijah Brandyberry and Noah Brandyberry – in 1:14:52.

The business winners, who also took third place overall, were the Wicked Warriors of Weastec – Doug Ernst and Connor Ernst – in 1:17:35. The mixed team winners, who also took sixth overall, were Sliced Bread Served with Fried Rice – DJ Davis and Alissa Hauke – in 1:21:10. The senior winners, who took 13th place overall, were Hail Mary – Tara Beery and Jeff Beery – in 1:24:47; and the all female winners, who took 25th place overall, were 7 AllFit – Heather Carraher and Susie Lucas – in 1:34:47.

During and after the race there was music and the Highland County Senior Citizens Center, Cowaburger and Larry’s Party Shop sold concessions.

This year’s kids race was free and the 110 other teams paid a minimum of $110 to participate. Jamieson said that if more people showed up to participate, the race could help more charitable organizations. But he said that the turnout was similar to what it has been in recent years and that he was pleased.

“We had nothing but positive comments,” he said.

The non-profits who helped and benefited at this year’s race were: Alternatives to Violence Center, Altrusa of Highland County, Because He Lives Food Pantry, Big Brothers Big Sisters, FRS Help Me Grow, Greenfield Area Christian Center, Highland County Community Action, Highland County Dept. of Job & Family Services, Highland County Dog Pound Volunteer Program, Highland County Homeless Shelter, Highland County Special Olympics, Highland District Hospital Foundation, Hillsboro After Prom, Hillsboro Christian Academy, Hillsboro Emblem Club 277, Hillsboro Youth Football, Lynchburg-Clay Area Soccer Association, Lynchburg Historical Society, Rocky Fork Community Alliance, SATH/Kamp Dovetail, Support Our Troops of Highland County.

The YMCA also receives funds because the race course goes directly through the building.

To date, Jamison said, the event has raised more than $50,000 for charitable organizations.

The race is held the second Saturday each August and Jamieson said he and his committee are already planning for next year.

Reach Jeff Gilliland at 937-402-2522 or on Twitter @13gillilandj.

The winning all female team of Susie Lucas (foreground) and Heather Carraher nears the finish line Saturday at the fourth annual Amazing Race of Highland County.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2016/08/web1_Race-pic-front.jpgThe winning all female team of Susie Lucas (foreground) and Heather Carraher nears the finish line Saturday at the fourth annual Amazing Race of Highland County.
Amazing Race raises more than $13,000

By Jeff Gilliland

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