The 200 Club of the Coastal Empire is again adding an element to the Savannah area’s 2016 Memorial Day celebration. During a weekend traditionally affiliated with barbecues, beach trips and three-day getaways, local residents will once again have the chance to sneak in a little more fun and fitness in the name of charity to care for those who care for us.

The Two Hundred Club of The Coastal Empire, a based nonprofit organization has scheduled its 11^th annual Savannah Mile for 8 a.m. Saturday, May 28 in the historic downtown district. The course, which begins at the south end of Forsyth Park, will take participants down Drayton Avenue and finish up on Broughton Street. The Savannah Mile is one of Fleet Feet’s sanctioned ‘Fabulous 14’ races in the USA.

Registration is $15 through April 30, $20 through May 26, and $25 on May 27-28. All proceeds will go to assist The 200 Club fulfill its mission to assist families of law-enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders who die or suffer critical injuries in the line of duty.  Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Savannah donors – Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eckburg, Mr. and Mrs. John Kane, and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Jepson – registration is free to all first responders and military participants. To register, please visit http://www.fleetfeetsavannah.com/mile.

Runners and walkers of all fitness levels are invited to participate in the unique event, which will feature heats for all ages and abilities, including a family division, age group divisions, a “Heroes Heat” to be run by first responders and military in full gear, and the Memory Walk for the families of our fallen heroes to walk the mile in memory of their loved one. The races will once again conclude with an awards party in Johnson Square, where attendees will enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, Coca-Cola beverages, Leopold’s Ice Cream and refreshing watermelon.  There will be a memorial display of fallen first responders and the opportunity to join The Two Hundred Club of the Coastal Empire to support their mission of helping the families of those who care for us by putting their lives and safety on the line every day.

“In past years, this has always been a really enjoyable event for community members and families. A one-mile course is perfect for everyone – it’s not too long or too short, and participants get to enjoy the scenic streets of historic Savannah as they log some exercise time and help raise money for a very worthy cause,” said Mark Dana, President of The 200 Club.  “We raised over $90,000 at last year’s Savannah Mile, all of which went to assist the families of fallen and critically injured first responders, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and participation of so many Savannah residents and we hope to break the $100,000 barrier this year,” he concluded.