Organizers plan second Holy City 5K for December

When Amy Metzger envisioned the first Holy City 5K race on Hilton Head Island to benefit the families of the victims of the June 17 shooting at Charleston's Emanuel AME Church, she saw a series of races, each one closer to Charleston.

Instead, Metzger, director of first impressions for Hilton Head Island's The Greenery, and GoTri Sports' Alfred Olivetti, Metzger's "partner" in the endeavor, are settling for a second race.

But it's not a disappointment.

"We're really just replicating what we did," Metzger said. "Originally, we were hoping to do one in Beaufort, one in Walterboro, ... but now we feel good with just one more. ... It's a good way to remember the nine that died and their families.

"People always think, 'Oh, I want to do something,' and then time passes and you have good intentions, but things don't happen. So this is another opportunity to come out and gather and remember."

The second Holy City 5K, following the one held in July on Hilton Head Island, will be held Dec. 19 at James Island Charter High School.

Like the first race, the proceeds from this event will go to the Mother Emanuel Church Fund.

The last race drew roughly 200 runners and earned $5,100. Metzger is hoping for more this time.

"Honestly, I hope for more," Metzger said, "but it's hard to tell."

There is no online registration for the 9 a.m. race. All registration will be on site and begin at 7:30 a.m.

Entry fee for the race is $9 -- a dollar for each of the nine victims -- but organizers will accept any donations over that amount.

Olivetti won't be able to attend this race because of business commitments. Instead, College of Charleston cross country coach Amy Seago will help facilitate the race.

Metzger has reached out and is hoping someone from the Mother Emanuel Church itself can attend. She's hoping someone can come and sing the national anthem and "Amazing Grace."

"I'm really hopeful there will be people from the church there," Metzger said. "Not just members, but family members of the nine that passed."

This story was originally published December 2, 2015 at 8:54 AM with the headline "Organizers plan second Holy City 5K for December."