Returning for the ninth year, Christ Episcopal Church of Downtown Raleigh is proud to announce its Run for Young 5K-race taking place Sunday, Jan. 10 at 2 p.m. Run For Young is a family-friendly, USATF certified 5K race starting and ending at Christ Episcopal Church, located at 120 E Edenton Street. Run For Young has been chosen as the first race as part of the 2016 Triangle Race Series.

The race began in 2008 in loving memory of Sadiki Young, a member and acolyte at Christ Episcopal Church and a senior at the time at Wakefield High School, when he lost his life as a passenger in an alcohol-related accident Jan. 14, 2007. The 18-year-old was full of life. He was a successful student, gifted musician, and talented athlete.

This terrible tragedy serves as an important reminder for everyone, especially local teens, how important it is to make good choices whenever vehicles are involved.

Today, a percent of proceeds from race registration fees goes toward local high schools with high participation numbers in the race for safe driving education programs. The remainder of proceeds goes to the Christ Church Youth Ministry Endowment Fund, which grants funds and scholarships to Christ Church youth and young adults for community projects, trips, and events.

The Run for Young course on race day is an out-and-back route throughout Edenton and Hillsborough Streets. Triangle community members of all ages are invited to run or walk in the race and strollers are welcome.

To honor and remember Young’s passion for great live music, the annual race gratefully hosts local bands that volunteer to perform along the sidewalks of the racecourse as fun entertainment for all race-goers to enjoy.

“We’re thrilled to be holding the ninth annual race,” said Martha Cox, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry, “It’s amazing to see the students get behind this and put so much hard work into making the event a success.”

The race will also include a variety of door prizes and all registered runners are automatically entered for the chance to win. Winners will be announced onsite the day of the event. Additional awards will be offered to the top male and female race winners as well as male and female age group division winners.

High school and college students can get discounted registration rates. Anyone who registers by Jan. 3 will also get a race t-shirt. Individuals interested in participating in the 2016 race should visit, https://runforyoung.itsyourrace.com/register/. Businesses interested in sponsoring the race can visit, http://runforyoung.org/sponsor-the-race.html.

About Run For Young

Run for Young is a 5K race held annually by Christ Episcopal Church of Downtown Raleigh in memory of Sadiki Young. Young was a member of the Church and a senior at Wakefield High School when he lost his life as a passenger in a tragic alcohol-related accident in January 2007. The 18-year-old was passionate about sports, music and spending time with friends. Proceeds from the race go toward programs raising awareness about safe driving methods at local high schools as well as the Christ Church Youth Ministry Endowment. For more information or to register for the 2016 race, visit www.runforyoung.org. Connect with the race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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