Register for the HAPS Fun Run/Walk in Atlanta!

A message from Patrick Cafferty, member of the 2016 Annual Conference Committee.
A message from Patrick Cafferty, member of the 2016 Annual Conference Committee.

Over the past several years, a highlight of the HAPS conference for me has been the HAPS Fun Run/WalkHeld 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.

Enjoy some amazing Atlanta sights while participating in the HAPS Fun Run/Walk.
Enjoy some beautiful Atlanta sights while participating in the HAPS Fun Run/Walk.

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!)

Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site
We’ll run by the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

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.

Ebenezer Baptist Church
The Ebenezer Baptist Church is also on the event route.

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!

One comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *