Registration opens today for the 17th annual Thrivent Financial Race for The ARK on Aug. 27 in downtown Summerville. This 5K run/walk raises money for The ARK in its work providing comprehensive support services to families living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia.  

The 5K run/walk begins at 7:45 a.m. and the 1-mile fun run starts at 8:45 a.m. near St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 206 Central Ave. in Summerville. The USATF-certified course winds through historic downtown Summerville, ending back at the church. Register online or visit thearkofsc.org for more information.

Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female winners as well as in several age groups. Plus, $100 will awarded to the first male and female to break the course records (15:40 male and 17:51 female).

Through Aug. 25, registration is $30 with T-shirt for the 5K run/walk and $25 for without T-shirt and $10 for the 1-mile fun run or $30 for a family of four (without T-shirts).

Registration and packet pickup will be noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26 and from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. on race day in St. Luke's Fellowship Hall. During packet pickup and on race day, registration for the 5K is $35. For the 1-mile fun run, it’s $15 or $35 for a family of four (without T-shirts).

Businesses can create teams of five or more as part of the Corporate Challenge. The winning team (combined best times) receives a hand-crafted traveling trophy to display at its business or organization for one year. Cost is $350 and deadline is July 25. For information about sponsorships, corporate teams or the youth challenge, contact Megan Severn at 843-832-2357.

Each year, more than 500 runners and walkers from the Lowcountry and well beyond gather race to support The ARK and its work in the Lowcountry. 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 percent increase in deaths since 2000.

Proceeds from Race for The ARK fund initiatives like The ARK's NOAH (Neighborhood Outreach Alzheimer's Help) program working with under-served communities in five area counties along with such free programs as memory screenings, resource fairs, educational workshops, support groups and respite centers. The ARK also offers Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a free six-week caregiver workshop that teaches family caregivers of any chronic illness how to take care of themselves as they care for a loved one.

ABOUT THE ARK, ALZHEIMER’S FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

The ARK is a local nonsectarian nonprofit outreach program providing comprehensive support services to families dealing with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. For more information, call 843-832-2357 or visit thearkofsc.org.