Pre-race Worship Service Draws a Crowd

Attendance doubled at our second annual 6 a.m. pre-race worship service before the Athens Half Marathon. Close to 100 people huddled together in the Atrium to keep warm on chilly morning to enjoy a brief time of singing, prayer, and inspiration.

Many runners who attended came from other cities, and expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to enjoy a worship experience before tackling the hilly 13.1 mile course.

Elders Bertis Downs, Kitty Donnan, Denise Horton and Drew Brantley served as readers. Julie, Sam and Claire Thompson led the singing and accompaniment. Parish Associate Bob Googe inspired us all with a timely message. After the service, participants enjoyed Jittery Joe’s coffee and access to clean bathrooms and free parking.

Here are comments we received from runners who attended:

“It was simple, meaningful and helped me throughout the race, and the day in general.”

“It was a great way to start a great day.”

“It was a terrific service and a great way to start the Half-Marathon.”

“The service this morning was wonderful. Thank you, again, for perfect start to race day.”

First Presbyterian had 24 members or relatives of members complete the race. Two members came home with age-group winner awards – Mary Catherine Smith and Carol Robinson.

Here’s the order in which they crossed the finish line:

• Mary Catherine Smith
• Jessica Ward
• Andrew Whitehead
• Julie Osborne
• Julie Thompson
• Christina Iwane Dunn
• John Dunn
• John Eric Schleicher
• Richard Williams
• Denise Horton
• Bob Googe
• Tommy Jackson
• Madie Fischetti
• Daniel Thompson
• Steven Havick
• Sam Thompson
• Chuck Toney
• Dan Horton
• Ashlee Schleicher
• Katie Pinson McNeil
• Kielly Dunn
• Carol Robinson
• Sarah Latimer
• Bertis Downs

Thank you to coordinator Megan Sperr, co-captain Drew Brantley and Jessica Owens, Elizabeth Brantley, Kitty Donnan, Addie Downs, Chuck Hunt, Jimmy Klein, Bryan Owens, Claire Thompson, Leslie Trier and Allison Shelton who represented First Presbyterian Church at the mile 12 water station.

Let's Cheer On Our First Presbyterian Runners!

On Sunday, October 23 at 6:00 a.m., our church will host a community pre-race worship service before the 7:00 a.m. second annual Athens Half Marathon. The Rev. Julie D. Thompson and The Rev. Bob Googe will lead a brief 15-20 minute worship service in the Atrium before they line up to run the marathon. All runners, volunteers, and fans from the community are invited.

Proceeds from the race will benefit AthFest’s music and arts education programs in local schools. The race begins at South Thomas Street behind the North Campus Parking Deck. It will wind through the UGA campus, through several of Athens’ distinctive neighborhoods, and along the North Oconee River before returning to downtown for the finish on Clayton Street.

More than 25 First Presbyterian Church members and relatives of members have entered to run, including:

• Bertis Downs
• Christina Iwane Dunn
• John Dunn
• Kielly Dunn
• Madie Fischetti
• Bob Googe
• Steve Havick
• Dan Horton
• Denise Horton
• Tommy Jackson
• Sarah Latimer
  
• Katie Pinson McNeil
  
• Julie Osborne
• Carol Robinson
• Ashlee Schleicher
• John Eric Schleicher
• Mary Catherine Smith
• Daniel Thompson
• Julie Thompson
• Sam Thompson
• Chuck Toney
• Jessica Ward
• Andy Whitehead
• Richard Williams

Athens Half Marathon Pre-Race Worship Service

We held our first-ever worship service in our newly remodeled courtyard at 6:00 this morning, hosting worshipers from the community of runners and race volunteers. Many attendees were from other churches, even other cities.

 Some time for fellowship after the service before the start of the race.

Between 50 and 60 people attended the service. From those attending who weren't First Presbyterian members, we heard complements about the facility and thanks for making the service available to the community.

Race photos:  I've put photos of the race start, finish line, and activities in the finish area on Flickr.  Here's a link to a slideshow. 

Athens Half Marathon Pre-Race Community Worship Service

On Sunday, October 24 at 6:00 a.m., First Presbyterian Church will be hosting a community pre-race worship service in conjunction with the Athens Half Marathon. The Rev. Julie D. Thompson and The Rev. Bob Googe will lead a a brief 15-20 minute worship service before they line up to run the marathon. All runners, volunteers, and fans from the community are invited. Join us on the front steps, just a block from the start, at the corner of College and E. Hancock Avenues! The entire community is welcome.

The inaugural AthFest Athens Half Marathon will begin and end downtown on Sunday, October 24. Proceeds from the race will benefit AthFest’s music and arts education programs in local schools. The race begins at 7:00 a.m. at the corner of Washington St. and College Ave. It will wind through the UGA campus, along the North Oconee River, through several of Athens’ distinctive neighborhoods, before returning to downtown for the finish. For maps of the race course, click here.

More than a dozen First Presbyterian Church members have entered to run, including Mary Attaway, John Brantley, John Carey, DeeAnn Cox, Bertis Downs, Bob Googe, Steve Havick, Gisela Hodgson, Denise Horton, Tommy Jackson, Evan McGown, April McLean, Andy Osborne, Julie Osborne, Bryan Owens, Ally Simmons, Julie Thompson, Sam Thompson, and Andy Whitehead. Most of them will be crossing the Washington St. finish line between 8:45 and 9:30 a.m.

Our Outreach Division has pledged 15 volunteers from our congregation to help at the starting line and finish line on race day. Drew and Elizabeth Brantley will serve as captains for First Presbyterian volunteers, including Tyler Brantley, Addie Downs, Ann Dunn, Jimmy Klein, Jessica Owens, Rick Simpson, Megan Sperr, and Chuck Toney.