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Sixty-Nine runners came out on a beautiful Saturday morning on June 1 to participate in the 12^th annual Home Run 5k to benefit the Methodist Children’s Home here in Americus.

“We had 69 runners. We had close to 40 sponsors who contributed more than $20,000,” said Judy Tott, President of the Americus Auxiliary for the Methodist Children’s Home, the group that sponsored the race. “All the money that we raise from the race stays right here in Americus for the girls at the Methodist Children’s Home.”

Tott went on to say that this is the 30^th anniversary of the group home in Americus.

“We opened in 1994. We were the first extension outside of the Methodist Home in Macon,” Tott said. “2024 is our 30^th anniversary to be a place of hope and refuge and love for children in foster care. We want to thank the community for their outstanding love and support of this race, being that it’s our 12^th year.”

Graham Harrod of Leslie was the overall winner of the race, as he crossed the finish line in a time of 17:49.12. Patrick Calcutt of Americus took second place, finishing in a time of 20:18.21 and Chadwick Hamilton of Albany took third place with a time of 21:01.33. In the Masters Division, Sennica Harris of Americus was the overall male winner with a time of 25:14.33 and Jessica Williamson of Forsyth was the overall female winner with a time of 27:30.94.

Kathleen Burt of Macon was the first female to cross the finish line and she did it in a time of 23:50.23. Kelly Faircloth of Cordele was the second female to cross and she did it in a time of 24:56.78. Mallory Crenshaw of Americus finished in third place among females, as she crossed the finish line in a time of 25:23.07.