Even in these sweltering summer temperatures, runners and walkers are in training for the 9th Annual Ache Around the Lake Run/Walk—a benefit for St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation set for Saturday, Sept. 20, at 8 a.m. at Lake Lanier. Ache Around the Lake is a community event that includes The Ache (8K or 5 miles) or The Ouch (a two-mile fun run). The Ache and the Ouch are open to all runners, walkers,strollers and your canine friends on a leash.
The Ache has become known as one of the ‘biggest little races’ on the racing circuit — boasting gorgeous mountain lake views, moderate weather and a challenging USAT&F-certified course. Local elites, power walkers and weekend racers enjoy this challenging race in the Carolina Foothills each fall. Last year there were more than 200 race participants and 36 race sponsors.
Since 2007, proceeds from the Ache charity race event have helped St. Luke’s Hospital upgrade their Radiology Department to digital technology, as well as upgrade Surgery, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Geriatric Psychiatry Unit and Pharmacy. In 2013, the Ache proceeds were used toward the Activities of Daily Living Lab at St. Luke’s Hospital. Monies raised helped cover the costs of the simulated kitchen, tub, shower, curb and vehicle, as well as support other projects throughout the ADL Lab.
This year, your support of this event will benefit the Discretionary Fund at St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation. The newly established fund will enable the Foundation to exercise discretionary spending when evaluating and purchasing small equipment items, facilitating required equipment repairs or accommodating other unplanned expenses that develop during the course of the hospital’s fiscal year.
According to Meshelle Colvin, executive director of the Foundation, “We have not previously had the available resources or purchasing discretion needed when it comes to the area of small equipment items or unplanned expenses. With decreased grant funding, we are constantly looking for creative ways to purchase new items or provide quick-turnaround funds for the hospital’s ever-developing needs. In cases of unplanned expenses which arise during the fiscal year, we are also encumbered by the fact that most sponsored programs take approximately six months’ time from proposal preparation to award. St. Luke’s cannot usually wait that long and the urgency of the need only adds to pressures upon the hospital to increasingly do more with less. All funds raised through Ache Around the Lake will be credited toward the new Discretionary Fund. In 2014, the goal is to raise $30,000 to establish the fund from which we can extend quick turnaround financial support in the case of unplanned expenses and the emergency needs of the various departments within the hospital.”
The ability to respond faster and more adequately to the hospital’s needs will certainly serve to maintain our excellent patient care and satisfaction levels, allow St. Luke’s Hospital to offer a wider array of support services to the community we serve, further enhance the hospital’s reputation, and help to facilitate our dedication and commitment to providing exceptional care close to home.
T-shirts will go to the first 200 registered participants. Early registrants get discounted registration.

RACE FACTS:
uBoth races will be professionally timed. Only the 8K is USATF-certified.
uBeautiful handmade pottery awards will be given to the top three Overall and Masters and Age Groups for The Ache.
uTOP DOG award will go to fastest canine-human team.

Visit www.achearound the laske.org to register or learn more.

-article submitted
by Jennifer Wilson