Ache Around the Lake event organizers announce the 2011 Ache Around the Lake Design Competition. This design contest is free and open to artists of all ages and levels of expertise.

Ache Around the Lake is a USATF-certified 8K loop around Lake Lanier and the Ouch is a shorter two-mile fun run. Others choose to support the event by dining at the historic Lake Lanier Tea House for brunch, enjoying foods along with views of the lake as the runners and walkers make their way to the finish line.

The design entry that most clearly illustrates the fun, the challenge and the scenic beauty of this event will be selected by a panel of judges. The winner will receive recognition, publicity, an art showing at the hospital, one complimentary race entry, two complimentary race morning brunch tickets, two T-shirts and two posters.

The winning design will be reproduced on a minimum of 200 race T-shirts, as well as on all posters, brochures and printed marketing materials. The design will be featured on the race website along with an artist profile.

The original artwork will be displayed in the reception area of St. Luke’s Hospital from April 1, 2011 until the race date of Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011. Artwork will be featured at the race morning brunch at the Lake Lanier Tea House.

The specifications for the design entry are as follows:

1. All media will be accepted (including graphic art).

2. Colors must be limited to three as printing will be a three-color process.

3. Overall size should not exceed 36 inches x 36 inches, however, 20 inches x 30 inches is ideal. Width should be smaller than length (portrait orientation).

4. The artist/designer must include the following in the design:

a. 6th Annual Ache Around the Lake 8K;

b. The Ouch;

c. Lake Lanier, Tryon, NC;

d. September 24, 2011

Submissions are due by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 1, 2011 at the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation office.

Artists/designers may hand-deliver to the office or send via U.S. Mail, UPS or other carrier to: St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, Attn: Race Committee, 101 Hospital Drive, Columbus, N.C. 28782.

The winner will be contacted by telephone by April 1, 2011.

Founded in 2006 by Lake Lanier residents Katie Malone and Scarlette Tapp, this once-grassroots charity race has grown exponentially since teaming up with the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation to raise funds for the hospital.

For more information about Ache Around the Lake or the design contest, call Meshelle Colvin, executive director of the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, at 828-894-2693, or visit www.achearoundthelake.org.