Youth Villages 5K kicks 10 Miler into mix | Events

Organizers of Memphis’ oldest 5K race, the Youth Villages 5K, will zip around the Ridgeway Loop on Saturday morning, April 20, 2013.

But for the first time, runners will have the choice of going more than three times as far as a 5K: 10 miles!

“We wanted to add a new flair to the event and encourage people to challenge themselves with a 10miler as well as attract a different type of runner (long distance) to run our race.

"We want to be fresh and inviting for people of all ages and abilities to participate," said Aaron Keegan, Development Manager at Youth Villages.  

In fact, the number of 5K races has exploded across the Mid-South during the YV5K’s thirty years of existence. 

The race is a key fund raiser for Youth Villages, a Memphis based agency that cares for emotionally and behaviorally troubled children.

The non-profit helps more than 20,000 children and their families live successfully each year in 20 states and Washington, D.C.

Keegan said the YV5K race committee first considered adding a half marathon but, “logistically it just didn’t work out."

We knew that there was only one other 10 mile race here in the Memphis area (an event in the annual Road Race Series presented by the Memphis Runners Track Club), so this sparked our interest in capitalizing on a relatively new way to run a race.”   

The Memphis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR) will continue its legacy of service as title sponsor of the YV5K for the 16th consecutive time during the event’s 31 year history.

Landmark Community Bank has signed on as sponsor of the new YV10miler. The 5K alone has raised more than $2 million for the mission of Youth Villages.

The money has paid for a walking track, cafeteria, children’s cottage renovations as well as programs in transitional living, mentoring and spiritual life.

Keegan said,“We’ve got to spread the word about why Youth Villages is the Force for Families.”

This reporter has observed that the dedicated professionals at Youth Villages know all about going the distance to help youngsters live successfully.

Youth Villages now will present a new race that reflects the great lengths the non-profit agency goes to everyday to serve its young clients. You can learn more here.