FIESTA 15K/5K Benefits Emory ALS Center

Atlanta, GA—With a new name and new theme, the 7th Annual FIESTA 15K/5K promises to be the biggest and best yet. The race will have a Cinco de Mayo atmosphere not only at the post race party but all along the course. The race is on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the Forsyth Conference Center in Cumming, GA and all proceeds benefit the Emory ALS Center in Atlanta.

In 2006, Brian Duffy, then 13 years old, founded the race after he watched the NBC broadcast of the Ironman World Championship. He saw Jon Blais finish the grueling endurance event just six months after being diagnosed with ALS and was inspired to help find a cure. On his own, Brian raised $2000 but knew more was necessary to make a difference so he asked his family to host their first race in 2007. The Duffy family created Cure for ALS, a private nonprofit organization, to host the event which has raised $110,000 for ALS research.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neuromuscular disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord. It is universally fatal, taking away the ability to move, speak, swallow, and ultimately breathe. It can strike anyone without warning and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is 2-5 years.

Formerly known as the ALS Run for Life 5K, the FIESTA 15K/5K features a 15K distance for long runners, a 5K distance on a certified Peachtree qualifying course, and a Fun Run. Over 15 teams of fundraisers will gather to run or walk the 5K together, raising awareness for ALS and paying tribute to their loved ones living with, or who have died from the disease. A crowd of at least 2000 is expected.

Participants will receive a t-shirt and goodie bag; all 15K finishers will receive a medal, and awards will be presented in the 15K & 5K races to Overall, Masters, and Age Group winners. The post race party will have music, refreshments, and a Fiesta of Fun!

“The race is always wonderful, well-organized and put together. I have done a lot of local races and this is by far one of my favorites,” says Dixie Brown who brings her Couch to 5K group to run every year.

Entry forms can be found at all Phidippides Atlanta and Totally Running stores. Race day registration will be available starting at 6:45am. The FIESTA 15K starts at 7:45am and the FIESTA 5K begins at 8:05am.

May is ALS Awareness Month nationwide and the FIESTA 15K/5K is a great way to kick off the month. For more information about Cure for ALS visit www.cureforals.com.


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Taekwondo Kicks It Into Gear To Start Off Georgia Games

MARIETTA, GA—After opening their season with wrestling and BB gun shooting, the Georgia State Games will host their taekwondo championship on May 4, while also playing host to the Georgia Taekwondo State Qualifier, which will be held on May 5. Both events will be held at Allatoona High School.

This tournament is largest that the Georgia State Games hosts. It also happens to be one of the largest tournaments on the east coast, as well as the largest one in the state of Georgia. The Georgia State Games also provides 12 international referees in order to ensure a fair and impartial competition. This season, the Georgia Games expects to see around 400 top level participants from over 12 different states.

Any Georgian can participate in these events, no matter age, ability level or location. In the past, participants have ranged in age from 3 to 87, and represented over 139 counties and 549 cities in Georgia. Each participant has the opportunity to advance to the national games, also known as the State Games of America (SGA), in Hersey, PA from July 31 to August 4.

The first matches will begin at 9:00 AM on May 4. This championship consists of five different types of matches, which include daedo e-hogu sparring, double elimination sparring, three rounds of sparring, sport poomsae and double elimination bracket poomsae. These different matches are based on age as well as skill level.

In order to register for this year’s events, please visit our website at www.georgiagames.org. Participants must be early registered on the website no later than Saturday, April 20, 2013. The Georgia Games will take day of registration too, but a late fee will be added to the cost.

For more information, or if you have any questions regarding the tournament, please contact the Georgia Games via email at info@georgiagames.org or by phone at 770.528.3580.


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