St. Vincent’s 1845 Foundation, in partnership with Oliver Maner, one of Savannah’s most prestigious law firms, will host the 2nd annual St. Vincent’s Academy Nun Run at 8 a.m., Saturday, March 23. 

The fun-filled 5K will wind its way through the majestic oaks along the interior of Daffin Park in Midtown Savannah. While not required, participants are encouraged to dress in a nun's habit for a touch of thematic fun, with prizes awarded for the 'Most Creative Habits.' 

Honoring the legacy and contributions of the Sisters of Mercy in Savannah, proceeds from the race will benefit the ongoing preservation and restoration of the historic 1845 Convent of St. Vincent de Paul, located on the St. Vincent's Academy campus.

The Convent of St. Vincent de Paul is one of Savannah's most historic and notable structures adjacent to The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. The 1845 building is marked on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Again this year, Oliver Maner is the Title Sponsor of the Nun Run with four Partners of the firm, Robert Schivera, Bryan Schivera, Paul Threlkeld and George Major, Jr., making individual gifts in support of the race. 

The participation of Oliver Maner creates an ideal pairing, as the law firm’s Savannah roots go back to 1897, and their commitment to the Savannah community and the Sisters of Mercy are ongoing endeavors.

"We at Oliver Maner take great pride in our Savannah heritage," said Robert Schivera, a partner at Oliver Maner. "The 1845 Convent is cornerstone of our city's heritage, and we are honored to continue our sponsorship of the Nun Run. We look forward to everyone joining the fun and making the Nun Run a lasting tradition."

Established in 1845 by the Sisters of Mercy, the 1845 Convent was home to generations of Sisters who served both the adjoining school and the community. Hundreds of Sisters resided in the convent over the years, accomplishing many amazing things in Savannah and providing mission-oriented work. They educated, boarded and housed students and orphans. They helped establish the parochial schools in Georgia, locally staffing Cathedral Day School, Nativity and Blessed Sacrament Schools. The Sisters nursed wounded Civil War soldiers, staffed Forest City Marine Hospital, and founded St. Joseph's Hospital (now St. Joseph's/Candler) and St. Mary's Orphanage. They made historic contributions to the city in the fields of education, medicine and pastoral care. St. Vincent’s graduates continue in their path. Through the years, parts of the convent were adapted to accommodate the growing need for academic classrooms and enhanced educational spaces. The last of the resident Sisters moved from the building in 2017, leaving additional space available and ready for the students of St. Vincent's Academy.

“The 1845 Foundation is excited to bring the Nun Run back to the streets. It was such a delight to see our wonderful supporters running around the park in their habits last year,” said 1845 Foundation Board Chair Mary Hill. “To have some fun while doing good work is what our Savannah community is all about.”

For more than 175 years, alumnae from St. Vincent’s Academy have made and continue to make significant personal, service-oriented, and professional contributions to the world. The 1845 Foundation provides additional technologically outfitted classrooms and meeting spaces for generations to come.

In addition to Oliver Maner, other local Savannah businesses have joined the 1845 Foundation in its efforts to preserve the 1845 Convent and host the 2nd Annual Nun Run, including Hancock Askew & Co. LLP, John S. James Co., Colony Bank, Coastal Pediatric Therapies, Oaks Senior Living, Savannah Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Jones Red and White, Driftwood Chiropractic and Clean Eatz. The Nun Run is managed by seasoned race promoter Dan Pavlin of Endurance Race Services (ERS).

The Nun Run is open to runners and walkers of all ages. The registration fee is $40, and all participants receive a unique Nun Run medallion and t-shirt designed by St. Vincent’s Academy and Savannah College of Art and Design alumna Jordan “Jay” Young, class of 2017 and 2022, respectively. Race day registration is available. For more information, visit savannahraces.com.

For more information about the Nun Run 5K, contact Diane Ciucevich Parker, Chair, at 912-398-4906 or at [email protected]. Dan Pavlin of Endurance Race Services can be reached at [email protected]. Follow The Nun Run on social media @TheNunRun and tag your race day photos #thenunrun.