KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

Anyone looking for a reason to put on their running shoes for a good cause are encouraged to join in on the sixth annual Eli Grow Legacy 8K Run, Walk and Ruck is scheduled to take place this Sat, Nov. 4. The 8k race ruck is set to start at 9 a.m. at Wilkins Stadium behind Tullahoma High School.

Those interested in joining in can pick up pre-race packets can stop by Legacy Creamery, located at 401 Wilson Ave behind the Coker Building, on Thurs, Nov. 2, from noon to 6 p.m. and Fri, Nov. 3, from noon to 9 p.m.

As for what’s on the schedule for race day, from 7 to 8 a.m. there will be onsite packets and registration available for pickup. Gary Johnson will lead the invocation at 8 a.m. with the National Anthem by Jennifer Johnson and Shelia Jones at 8:15 a.m.

Kicking off the event will be both the kids 30-yard dash and 50-yard dash at 8:30 a.m., followed by the kids half mile run for first and second graders at 8:35 a.m. The one mile run for third through fifth graders will take place at 8:40 a.m. and the 8K/one mile run will start at 9 a.m.

Following the 8K race, there will be awards for overall first, second and third place for male and female runners, as well as team awards for largest team and fastest team. There will also be awards for individual runners in different categories based on age ranging from 9 and under to 80-plus years old. No double dipping will be allowed and runners are asked to not leave if they either know or think they should receive a medal and see event volunteers or Cassy Grow before leaving.

For more information, visit eligrow.raceroster.com or the foundation’s website at eligrowfoundation.org.

About the Eli Grow Legacy Foundation

The Eli Grow Legacy Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to give Tullahoma athletes the opportunity to train at a next-level facility.

Eli Grow was a dedicated football player at Tullahoma High School and played all four years on the squad, where he signed his letter of intent to continue his career at Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss.

On April 30, 2016 Eli was driving home from football conditioning in Franklin. With less than ten minutes on his route home, he fell asleep behind the wheel and lost control of his car, drifting into oncoming traffic.

Just weeks prior to his accident, Eli shared his idea of a training facility with his family. Following his untimely passing, Eli’s parents, Cassy and Tony Grow, established a memorial fund in honor of their son. Their plan with his fund is to give something back to the community he loved so dearly and help improve the athletic facilities at Tullahoma High School.

The Eli Grow Legacy Foundation is also focused on providing athletic scholarships to local athletes and awarded four $2,000 scholarships this past academic year. Going forward, they plan to award $8,000 in scholarships each year.

The foundation went back and recognized the five football players who were awarded the number 8 jersey in honor of Eli. The jersey is awarded to the hardest working and most dedicated skills player. Each athlete who donned the jersey in prior years was awarded a scholarship, with one giving the money back to the foundation due to his education being paid for.

Legacy Gelato, located behind the Coker building, funds the foundation with their profits, along with hosting the annual 8k and the Eli Grow Legacy Foundation golf tournament. The foundation also accepts donations to help raising the necessary funds to construct an indoor facility. Those interested in donating can mail their donations to the Eli Grow Legacy Foundation Inc., 1406 Wilson Avenue, Tullahoma, TN 37388.

For more information contact the Eli Grow Legacy Foundation at info@eligrowfoundation.org or call 931-273-0010. To donate online go to eligrowfoudnation.org.