Let the races begin! Hog Jog to kick off John Maher Builders Spring Hill Country Ham Festival
By wherald
On your mark… get set…Jog! This year’s John Maher Builders Spring Hill Country Ham Festival will usher in the inaugural Hog Jog in true country ham fashion. The 5K cross country event will offer participants the challenges of running on varying surfaces including grass, gravel and concrete. Participants will also be presented with small obstacles and elevation changes. Part of the route crosses a small stream.
Kortland Fuqua is offering his expertise as Race Director for the Hog Jog. Fuqua is owner of the event management company Groundworks Management. Over the past 18 years he has assisted many organizations in hosting fundraisers. He served as Race Director of the Franklin Classic benefiting Mercy Children’s Clinic for five years and the Habitrot benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County. He has also hosted events and concerts for WAY-FM. Fuqua has served in ministry for the past 20 years.
“This is a first year event and we expect it to be a great one!” said Fuqua. “This will be an added attraction for the ham festival for years to come.”
Fuqua is echoing the family-friendly atmosphere of the John Maher Builders Spring Hill Country Ham Festival by encouraging people of all ages and runners of all levels to participate in the Hog Jog.
“We want everyone from first time runners to experienced runners to participate in the Hog Jog,” he said. “This is even a great event for parents to participate in with their children. The beautiful campus of the Children’s Home will offer a great venue that will challenge runners of every level and, hopefully, encourage beginning runners to get more involved in this sport!”
The Inaugural Hog Jog will begin at 8 a.m. on the grounds of the Tennessee Children’s Home Saturday, Oct. 6, the first day of the two-day John Maher Builders Spring Hill Country Ham Festival. Pre-registration will take place on Friday evening before the race at a location to be determined. Free parking will be provided near the festival entrance off of Kedron Road. Refreshments will be served immediately following the race.
Registration for the Hog Jog is $25 per runner if paid before Sept. 14; $30 if paid before Oct. 4; and $35 if paid after Oct. 5. Runners are encouraged to pay early for the best price. Awards will be given out following the race. Male and female awards will be given to the top 3 overall, the top 3 masters (40+) and in the age categories starting 9&under, ages 10 – 14 and in five year increments ages 15 – 80+.
“We are actively seeking participants and sponsors for this event,” said Fuqua. “I encourage anyone who is interested in being a part of this year’s event to get involved!”
For more information about the Hog Jog, visit the website www.countryhamfest.com.
The 9th Annual John Maher Builders Spring Hill Country Ham Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday October 6th and 7th, 2012 at the Tennessee Children’s Home (804 Branham Hughes Boulevard in Spring Hill). Hours are 10 a.m. until dark on Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission to this family fun event is $3 per person (children ages 3 and under are admitted free). Highlights of the day include a free Kid’s Zone with 12 inflatables, more than 70 arts and crafts booths, 24 fabulous food vendors, a main stage hosted by the “Ham Family” with music provided by Middle Tennessee talent, free monster truck rides, games and competitions. A spectacular fireworks exhibit will begin at dark. Also new this year will be the “Hog Jog,” a 5K cross country race beginning at 8 a.m. the morning of the festival. The first ever “Junior Miss and Miss Country Ham” contests will take place Saturday evening, Sept. 29 at Frazier Hall on the Children’s Home campus.
For information, visit www.countryhamfest.com or contact Andy Meldrum at 615-429-7115. The CHF of Spring Hill Community Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization.
Posted on: 8/24/2012
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