Participants of Clarke Central High School’s first annual Glads Run Ath 5K run in Billy Henderson Stadium on Nov. 9, 2024. CCHS Associate Director Chris Aiken, who planned this year’s Glads Run 5K for Nov. 8, believes the race offers more to participants than just a chance to compete. “(The race) brings people together outside of the classroom and gives more opportunity for friendship and fellowship,” Aiken said. “I think that (it’s) important (that) societies that build relationships with people. Hopefully, people might connect (through) the race and hopefully it bridges into something bigger than just competing in the race.” Photo by Edie Ash
CCHS’ second annual Glads Run Ath 5K will take place at 8 a.m. on Nov. 8., starting in CCHS’ Billy Henderson Stadium.
Clarke Central High School will host its second annual Glads Run Ath 5K on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 8 a.m., which has been organized by CCHS Associate Athletic Director Chris Aiken. The race is open to the Athens community, and those interested in participating were required to fill out the registration form by Nov. 8.
The 5K, sponsored by Fleet Feet Athens for the second year in a row, will start and finish in CCHS’ Billy Henderson Stadium. Proceeds from the event will fund a teacher bursary supporting supplies not covered by Clarke County School District funding.
“(Teachers) have the ability to buy different things that support students in the classroom, but it’s not an endless account with endless funds available,” Aiken said. “(The teacher fund) is an extra opportunity to generate more revenue for the school and provide opportunities for teachers.”
“I think it’s an opportunity to have a lot of fun with your friends, (and) if people are on the fence about deciding whether or not they should run it, they should.”
— Dominik Lee,
CCHS junior
Outside of offering CCHS community members an opportunity to race, CCHS students are also given the chance to participate through numerous volunteer positions, including setting up the race and giving water to runners.
“(The event) offers opportunities for people to volunteer and earn service hours towards (the National Honor Society) or (the Tri-M Music Honor Society),” Aiken said. “Whether you’re passing out water or helping set up the race, (there are) different opportunities (to) bring people together.”
Participants of Clarke Central High School’s first annual Glads Run Ath 5K drink water after crossing the finish line on Nov. 9, 2024, in Billy Henderson Stadium. CCHS varsity cross country runner Dominik Lee, a junior, participated in the first annual Glads Run Ath 5K and views the event as an opportunity for all community members, regardless of their past running experience. “I think (the event is) very good for someone (who) wants to get into running (or) if someone wants to run their first 5K,” Lee said. “It’s going to be a fun experience.” Photos by Grady Dunston
CCHS varsity cross country runner Dominik Lee, a junior, participated in last year’s 5K as a sophomore, securing first place overall with a time of 10:21.7.
“Last year’s (Glads Run Ath 5K) went really well. I think events like this are important because (they) build school spirit,” Lee said. “I think it’s an opportunity to have a lot of fun with your friends, (and) if people are on the fence about deciding whether or not they should run it, they should.”
