FIESTA 5k/15k Challenge Kicks Off ALS Awareness Month

Cumming, GA, April 8, 2014– Runners throughout Georgia are preparing to “get LOCO” at the 8th annual FIESTA 5k/15k Challenge. The race is on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Forsyth Conference Center in Cumming, GA and all proceeds benefit the Emory ALS Center in Atlanta.

The FIESTA 15K/5K features a 15K distance for long runners, a 5K distance on a certified Peachtree qualifying course, and a Fun Run. Participants will receive a t-shirt – guaranteed to those registered by April 17, 2014. All 15K finishers will receive a medal, and awards will be presented in the 15K & 5K races to Overall, Masters, and Age Group winners. Organizers expect 800 or more participants and a crowd of over 1500. The post-race party will have music, refreshments, and a Fiesta of Fun!

Entry forms can be found at all Phidippides Atlanta and Totally Running stores. Online registration is available at RunSignup.com. Early packet pick up will be Friday, May 2, 2014 at Totally Running in Cumming, GA from 11am to 7pm. 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.

SPECIAL EVENT: Author, Mike Stephens, will be at packet pick up on May 2, 2014 from 4pm to 7pm for a book signing of “Don’s Brother: A Hike of Hope on the Appalachian Trail.” After his brother was diagnosed with ALS, Mike decided to honor Don with a 2,186 mile thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. “Don’s Brother” recounts Mike’s journey and much more. A portion of every book sold is being donated to the Emory ALS Center. Books will also be on sale and available for signing on race day – before and after Mike, a lifelong runner, runs the FIESTA 5k!

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. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a universally fatal neuromuscular disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord. It takes away the ability to move, speak, swallow, and ultimately breathe.

May is ALS Awareness Month nationwide and the FIESTA 5k/15k Challenge is a great way to kick off the month. Cure for ALS, whose mission is to support ALS Awareness, advocacy, and fundraising for viable treatments and an eventual cure.

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For more information about Cure for ALS visit www.cureforals.com .