At Extra Special People, children with disabilities are seen for everything they can do. They have a dream that this is how they will be seen everywhere.

On Jan.21, Extra Special People, Inc. (ESP) in partnership with HandsOn Northeast Georgia will host the Third Annual Dream to Be Able ML5K benefitting the children of ESP. Any runners interested in raising awareness about the amazing accomplishments of individuals with developmental disabilities in the Athens community are invited to participate.

Starting at 3 p.m. at Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods in Athens, Ga., the 5k run and walk appropriately follows the MLK Parkway and Athens-Clarke County Greenway. The “Dream Dash”, a half-mile fun run or walk specifically for ESP kids, kicks off at 2:30 p.m.

For a $20 registration fee, adult participants receive a t-shirt, meal from Weaver D’s and opportunity to walk or run in honor of children with special needs. Children can register and participate for $10, and families who participate together receive a discounted rate of $50 for up to five family members. All proceeds benefit ESP’s after-school programs and summer camp for children with special needs.  

“As a non-profit in Watkinsville, the annual 5k is the perfect opportunity to connect the Athens community to the amazing kids and families of ESP as well as provide an event to volunteer at on an important day of service,” Communications and Special Events Coordinator of ESP Jordan Beaman said.

HandsOn Northeast Georgia (NEGA) has organized local events to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. through service for the past ten years. The ML5K is one of many events hosted by HandsOn NEGA in an effort to create a better America.

With the completion of the race, awards will be presented to Overall Male/Female, Overall Male/Female Masters and the top three times in each age group ranging from 14 and under through 75 and over. Participants can enjoy a post-race meal from Weaver D’s and all children receive a medal. T-shirts are guaranteed to pre-registered runners and as available on race day.

Title sponsors for the race are Central Presbyterian Church, Athens Banner-Herald, Athens Orthopedic Clinic and Waugh & Allen. Additional sponsors include Athens Dentistry for Children, Satisfactory Printing and Design, Taylor Made Smiles, Bella Salon, Zaxby’s, Lambda Chi Alpha, Southern Protective Group, Oconee Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation, Union Christian Church, Uniforms Unlimited, Frameworks Unlimited, The Pennington Group, Global Escapes, Dr. Tom Goggin and Earthworks.

Runners can pre- register at Active.com or at 1:00 p.m. on the day of the race.

For additional information or questions about volunteering or running in the ML5K contact Jordan Beaman at Jordan@extraspecialpeople.com.