For the 14^th consecutive year, the Two Hundred Club of the Coastal Empire is adding a special element to Savannah’s Memorial Day celebration. During a weekend traditionally affiliated with barbecues, beach trips and three-day getaways, residents will once again have the chance to sneak in a little more fun and fitness for a charity that cares for those who care for us.

The Two Hundred Club, a Savannah-based nonprofit organization, has scheduled the Savannah Mile for 8 a.m. Saturday, May 25 in Savannah’s Historic District. The course, which begins at the south end of Forsyth Park, will take participants down Drayton Street and finish up on Broughton Street.

Registration is $20 through May 23, and rises to $25 on May 24-25, though military, first responders and their families can participate for free due to a generous donation from Dick and Judy Eckburg, Bob and Alice Jepson, and John and Frances Kane. All proceeds from the race will go to assist the 200 Club fulfill its mission to assist families of first responders who die or suffer critical injuries in the line of duty. To register, please visit https://twohundredclub.org/2019/03/20/2019-savannah-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, followed by the Memory Walk for the families of our fallen heroes to walk the mile in memory of their loved one.  The “Heroes Heat” to be run by first responders and military in full gear or not. Those running in 30-pound gear and over will compete for the Full Gear*All Out Flag.

The races once again will conclude with an awards party in Johnson Square, where attendees will enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers, cold Coca-Cola beverages, Leopold’s ice cream and other snacks. There will be a memorial display of fallen first responders, and attendees can learn more about joining Two Hundred Club of the Coastal Empire to help support the families of first responders who put their lives and safety on the line every day.

“Participating in the Savannah Mile is a great way to log a little extra family time over the holiday weekend while spending the morning outside in beautiful downtown Savannah and helping families who’ve made an enormous sacrifice,” said Two Hundred Club President Mark Dana. “No matter your abilities, there is something for everyone – from the family fun run, which has runners, walkers, babies in strollers, toddlers, dogs, and older participants – to the heroes heat. Best of all, proceeds to go a cause we all care about.”