Spectacular Spring Trot to Clot Walk and Runs
By Kelli White, Special Events/Volunteer Coordinator
The spring season at HoG brought us three exciting Trot to Clot Walk and Runs. We added new elements to each race this year and the events were a big success. More than $60,000 was raised for Camp Wannaklot, which will provide children who have hemophilia or other inherited bleeding disorders the opportunity to enjoy wonderful activities and programs while attending camp this summer.
The first event of the year was our fourth annual Stone Mountain Trot to Clot which took place April 19th at Stone Mountain Park. This year we added an 8k distance for avid runners, in addition to our 5k walk and run. Despite the rainy conditions, the event had over 200 registrants. New for this year was an official finish line and timing services, along with guest appearances from the Chick-fil-A Cow and Sprinkles from Dunkin’ Donuts.
Next up on the schedule was the second annual Augusta Trot to Clot, held May 31st at Savannah Rapids Park. The event almost tripled in size and had more than 100 participants out to run along the lovely canal towpath. We also conducted our first ever packet pick-up at Fleet Feet Augusta on Friday night before the race and it was a huge success!
Our last race of the season was a new event for HoG. The Lawrenceville Trot to Clot was held June 7th at Coolray Field, home of the Gwinnett Braves. The event featured a USATF certified (and Peachtree Road Race Qualifier) course around the stadium and each attendee also received a ticket to Hemophilia of Georgia Day at the June 8th Gwinnett Braves game. An additional $2,000 was raised for Camp Wannaklot in a silent auction held during the game. We enjoyed working with the Gwinnett Braves and look forward to growing our partnership with future events.
All of the walkers and runners at the Trot to Clot events received a goodie bag and t-shirt for their participation. The goodie bags were filled to the brim with great sponsor gifts including water bottles, ice packs, towels, beach balls and sunscreen. The brightly colored, ultra soft t-shirts were a hit this year and featured our Trot to Clot logo front and center. T-shirts are still available for a donation ($5 if picked up in office, $8 includes shipping) while supplies last! Contact Kelli White at kmwhite@hog.org for information on sizes and availability.
We thank everyone who participated and volunteered for our three Trot to Clot Walk and Runs. Special thanks go to our presenting sponsors: Baxter International, CSL Behring, Novo Nordisk, and Pfizer. We would also like to thank: Biogen Idec, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Gwinnett, Green Oaks Dental, Grifols, Kohl’s Cares, Octapharma, Resurgens Spine Center and Williams, Benator & Libby, LLC.
Be on the lookout for announcements about the 2015 Trot to Clot schedule! For a full list of sponsors and additional information visit www.hog.org/trot