The locally-owned franchise of the popular national chicken chain announced the date for its 8th Annual Chick-fil-A Vidalia Road Race, taking place on Saturday, March 4, in Vidalia, Ga. The races begin at the Vidalia Chick-fil-A, 2349 E 1st St., Vidalia, Ga.

Competition in races of three distances will be offered to runners: a 1-mile run, a 5-kilometer, and a 10-kilometer. Proceeds from the event will benefit three local ministry organizations, including Paul Anderson Youth Home, Vidalia Heritage Academy, and WinShape Camps for Communities.

"Nothing makes us happier than hosting a community event like this that brings people together to support great causes that make a real difference in people’s lives. It’s hard to believe we’ve been doing this for eight years now,” said Britt McDade, restaurant operator of Chick-fil-A Vidalia.

Paul Anderson Youth Home is a Christian residential program and on-campus school for young men between the ages of 16 and 21 struggling with behavioral problems and issues of discipline, anger and depression. Vidalia Heritage Academy offers a Christian education taught from a biblical worldview, carrying out its mission to educate students “Spiritually, Intellectually, and Physically” to love God and serve Him as Christ’s ambassadors in the world. WinShape Camps for Communities is a professional organization that exists to impact young people through experiences that enhance their Christian faith, character, and relationships.

To promote the event, flags and yard signs will begin to appear around Vidalia. Local business owners are encouraged to get a window cling to help spread the word. Last year, the race exceeded the fundraising goal of $40,000, with sights set even higher this year. Victoria Shuman of Paul Anderson Youth Home and Chris Zorn of Zorn & Son Insurance has been tireless in their efforts to organize the event and recruit sponsors. The local Chick-fil-A restaurant looks forward to the event as well.

Interested participants can take advantage of a discounted early bird registration fee by signing up before race day here. For complete details on the race day schedule and more information, visit the official road race website, or the Facebook page.