Almost 500 runners and walkers completed the Thrivent Financial Race for the ARK 5K on Saturday, Aug. 23, a record number for the 15th annual event. Registrations for the run/walk topped out at 550 with 491 completing the race.

The first-place male finisher was Ryan Plexico, 30, of Columbia with a time of 17:05. The first-place female finisher was Marya Nasir, 15, of North Charleston with a time of 19:15. The first-place winner in the Corporate Challenge was Atlanta Bread Co., the reigning champ. And the first-place Youth Challenge team award went to Pinewood Preparatory School in Summerville.

The Race for the ARK raises money to support families living with Alzheimer's or related dementia in the Lowcountry, through the services The ARK provides. In South Carolina, 80,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s and that number is estimated to rise to 125,000 by the year 2025. The state has the 10th highest Alzheimer's death rate in America and has seen an 80% increase in deaths since 2000.

The 2014 Race for the ARK fun facts:

• 25 Corporate Challenge Teams.
• 6 Youth Challenge Teams.
• Summerville Elks Lodge presented a $2,000 check to The ARK at the race.
• Title sponsor Sherry Sheppard/Thrivent Financial presented a $10,000 check to The ARK at the race.
• Continuing her long-time tradition, 84-year-old Daisy Dash of St. George kicked off the race by singing “God Bless America” and she won first place in her age group. 

Race results: http://actioncarolina.com/ark14res.html

Check out photos from the event on Facebook.