Over the past several years, a highlight of the HAPS conference for me has been the HAPS Fun Run/Walk. Held on Monday morning following a Sunday of being cooped up indoors, the fun run is a great way to get outside, see the sights of our host city, and meet other, sleepy eyed HAPSters in an informal setting. Conference halls tend to blur together in my memory, but I vividly and fondly remember running up and down the San Antonio river walk and along the Jacksonville river.
When I learned the 30th annual conference would be held in my hometown of Atlanta, I immediately starting thinking about what routes I could share with HAPSters to demonstrate what Atlanta really has to offer. (Of course, the Hyatt Regency Atlanta hotel is very, very nice and you will enjoy the indoor part of the conference too!)
To show off the sights and history of Atlanta, we’ve planned two different routes. The shorter 2.7-mile route and the longer 3.0-mile loop quickly take us away from downtown, following the Atlanta marathon route, toward a historic neighborhood called the Old Fourth Ward. Together, we will turn south along Jackson Street that leads us to a popular lookout spot of the downtown Atlanta skyline (i.e.—pose for selfies here!). Further south on Jackson Street, we will pass the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to see Ebenezer Baptist Church where Martin Luther King Sr. and Jr. were pastors. Finally, we’ll head back downtown through the Sweet Auburn Historic District.
HAPSters wanting to do the short option will head straight back to the hotel from Woodruff Park, while those following the long route will head toward Centennial Olympic Park before their return. In just a few miles of walking or running, you’ll see a number of parks and historic sites, and get a great sense of what Atlanta is about.
Proceeds from the HAPS Fun Run/Walk will go directly to the HAPS Foundation who funds scholarships, grants, and awards for deserving HAPS members. This year, the run will take place on Monday, May 23rd, bright and early at 7:00am. Please go ahead and register at a discounted rate online.
Don’t forget your walking and running shoes when you pack for Atlanta- and we will see you soon!
Fund Run is always a good way to see the sights of the host town and get the heart rate going before a long day of sitting listening to update seminars. Highly recommended.