Hundreds participate in Hammerbird 5K
More than 400 people registered to participate in the 2016 Hammerbird 5K on Saturday, April 30. The event is designed to help local families purchase affordable housing.
Photo by Tevin Stinson
BY TEVIN STINSON
THE CHRONICLE
Last Saturday hundreds of residents from Winston-Salem battled rain and strong winds to participate in the third annual Habitat for Humanity Hammerbird 5K. While there are dozens of 5Ks held throughout the area, Hammerbird is unlike any other in the region.
The 5K started at Kimberly Park Elementary School and made its way through the historic Boston-Thurmond neighborhood. As they ran and walked through the streets, participants passed by more than 70 homes that have been built or renovated by Habitat for Humanity.
The first person to cross the finish line was Anderson Ward, who finished the course in just under 18 minutes. Not too far behind Ward was Molly Nunn who finished the course at the 18:13 mark.
While a number of participants like Ward and Nunn competed in the 5K to compete against other runners, longtime volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Laura Spedding said she signed up for the 5K this year to help local families in need.
According to representatives from Habitat for Humanity, proceeds from the race benefit Habitat for Humanity’s mission of helping local working families purchase their own affordable, high quality, energy efficient homes.
Spedding, who only ran a mile, said although she didn’t finish the race, it feels good to help those in need.
“This is a wonderful event,” said Spedding. “Even with the rain, this shows how much people really care about each other in this community.”
For more information on the Hammerbird 5K and to see the results from the event, visit www.habitatforsyth.org.
