MINT HILL, NC – 209 runners set off from Veterans Park at 8:00 Saturday morning for the 23rd annual Mint Hill Lions Club 5k.
Established in 1917, the “Lions of Business” have a long tradition of assisting the visually impaired. At a time when many viewed the blind as incapable of being educated, supporting themselves or living independently, the Lions created jobs for the blind and provided vision screenings in schools. In 1925, Helen Keller solidified that mission when she address 7500 Lions gathered for their annual convention at Cedar Point, appealing to them to act as “Knights of the Blind.”
One of 48,000 Lions Clubs worldwide, the Mint Hill Lions Club continues this tradition of providing for the needs of the visually impaired and the community at large through their annual 5k. Funds raised through the 5K will go toward Camp Dogwood, a place where Visually Impaired Persons can learn skills to help adjust to a recent loss in vision; the North Carolina Lions Brighter Visions Foundation; Lion Services Vision Clinic; and various other needs within the community.
The Mint Hill Lion’s Club 5k has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the 90s when a handful of people set off from Bain Elementary School and ran down Bain School Road and back. When the new Town Hall opened in the early 2000s, the Lions moved the race there; with increased traffic in downtown Mint Hill, they were excited to bring the race to Veterans Park this year.
“We are thrilled to be here in Veterans Park as part of Mint hill Madness this year,” said Race Coordinate Betsy Bowen. “We were excited to see over 200 runners at the park today. The funds we raise through this event make real difference right here in our community. We wouldn’t be here without the support our many sponsors, especially our premier sponsor Novant Health. We’re so grateful to the Town for partnering with us and to the Mint Hill Police Department for taking care of all our traffic needs.”
Congratulations to first place finisher Nicholas Potter, who crossed the finish line at 18.27. Second place Rory Mccaslin and third place Ben Potter weren’t far behind clocking in at just under 20 minutes. The first female runner to cross the finish line was Michelle Ferguson with a time of 22.28. Second and third were claimed by Donna Huntley and Brooke Fiorella with times of 23.08 and 24.43. Congratulations to everyone who came out and supported the Mint Hill Lions Club this morning!
Mint Hill Madness officially opens at 11:00! Check out today’s full schedule at https://www.minthillevents.org/schedule.