Holy City 5K on Hilton Head set to go, will benefit Charleston families

Everything is a go for the Holy City 5K on Saturday on Hilton Head Island, according to organizer Amy Metzger.

The race and walk will take place at 8 a.m. at Hilton Head Island High School. It costs $9 to participate, though larger donations are welcome.

All proceeds will go directly to the Mother Emanuel Church Fund to help the nine families who are suffering the loss of their loved ones after the June 17 shooting at Charleston's Emanuel AME Church.

"What it's all about is just feeling good to start your day with a purpose and acknowledging those nine individuals and their family members," Metzger said. "Their willingness to forgive the man that took the lives of those nine individuals, I want that to be contagious.

"What good people. I just admire them. I want people to just be together and embrace each other."

Alfred Olivetti's Go Tri Sports will handle logistics for the race, including timing and any equipment needed.

The course, mapped by Olivetti and Mike Manesiotis, will include a small portion of Highway 278, the Hilton Head High campus and the Island Recreation Center and will finish at the high school's track.

Metzger said Transportation Safety Apparel "came through and happily donated 300 T-shirts" for participants, while Whole Foods, Kroger and Harris Teeter will provide snacks and refreshments.

"All the participants have to do is get there early, come sign your waiver form and you're ready," Metzger said.

There is no pre-registration. Registration will open at 7 a.m.

After the acknowledgment of the names of the nine victims, Reggie Dees will sing "God Bless America" to open the race. He'll also sing "Amazing Grace" to close the event.

Metzger said some people vacationing on the island have called to inquire about the event because it's important to them. Still others, who can't be there Saturday, have made donations instead.

With no pre-registration, Metzger and Olivetti say they have no idea how many people will participate. Olivetti has previously said he's hoping for "managed chaos."

"I don't have a number that I think would be too big," Metzger said. "I would love to see a flood of people."

Details: Call Amy Metzger at 384-2859 or Alfred Olivetti at Go Tri Sports at 843-295-9565

This story was originally published July 16, 2015 at 11:57 PM with the headline "Holy City 5K on Hilton Head set to go, will benefit Charleston families."