UGA Phi Delts Announce Date/Early Bird Registration for Iron Phive K "Run, Walk, and Wag" Supporting ALS

The University of Georgia chapter of Phi Delta Theta will host its annual Iron Phive K “Run, Walk, and Wag” to support ALS Research on Saturday, April 3, 2016. The event is open to the public and will take place on the UGA campus in Athens, GA.

Iron Phive K “Run, Walk, and Wag” will be staggered to allow runners to leave first, followed by followed by solo walkers, and finally dogs and their person(s) (tags, leashes and plastic bags are required).

This is the second consecutive year that the UGA chapter will sync with other Georgia Phi Delta chapters to raise awareness of ALS by hosting simultaneous 5k runs in three Georgia cities – Athens, Atlanta, and Macon.

Last year, the groups collectively raised over $10,000 to help fight this disease. The ALS Association is Phi Delta Theta’s primary philanthropy.

“We are thrilled to again partner with Phi Delta Theta on this great event. Their continued support, both locally and as a national sponsor of The ALS Association, help create awareness of ALS and the urgency to find a cure,” said Sarah Embro, Executive Director of The ALS Association of Georgia.

The 2016 run is part of the Black Bag Race Series and Clover Glove Race Series. It is open to the public. Registration fees are $35 with a $10 discount to those registering before March 1, 2015. Early registrants will also receive a race tshirt. Awards will be given to overall male/female, overall masters male/female and top 3 finishers in standard age groups from 10 and under to 75 and over.

“Being able to give back to the local community is important to Phi Delta Theta at both the national and local level, especially when there is a strong connection to the cause,” said Nate Bryant, Race Organizer for the UGA chapter. “Baseball great Lou Gehrig was a member of Phi Delta Theta as well as a victim of this disease so participating has an even greater meaning for us. We’re very excited to be hosting an event for such a worthy cause.”

On each campus, race day registration and packet pickup begins at 7AM and the run begins at 9AM. Runners interested in participating in any one of the races should register at: www.classicraceservices.com. Those interested in making a donation to the initiative or a specific runner can do so by visiting www.support.ironphi.org.

For race updates and pictures from the 2015 Phive K, visit the Iron Phive K Facebook page.

About Iron Phi

The Iron Phi program was developed as a way to strengthen both Phi Delta Theta and its impact on the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease. The Fraternity has a philanthropic partnership with The ALS Association, a non-profit entity with the mission of bringing awareness to the disease and finding its cure. Through the fundraising efforts of members of Phi Delta Theta on the way to achieving personal athletic goals, the Fraternity mobilizes its membership base to help The ALS Association and Phi Delta Theta Foundation achieve its missions.

Known as the “Iron Horse” during his baseball career, Gehrig, who was initiated into Phi Delta Theta while studying at Columbia University, displayed a never-give-up attitude after being stricken with ALS, and continued to inspire those around him. Visit http://support.ironphi.org/ for more information.

About The ALS Association Georgia Chapter

The ALS Association Georgia Chapter and its National Office operate under a shared mission. The ALS Association is the only nationally affiliated not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to ALS and its mission is to find the cause of the disease and cure through global, cutting-edge research. The ALS Association empowers people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing compassionate care and support. For more information, contact the chapter at (404) 636-9909.

About Phi Delta Theta

Phi Delta Theta was founded on December 26, 1848 at Miami University in Oxford, OH. The men of Phi Delta Theta share a common commitment -- the cultivation of friendship among its members, the acquirement individually of a high degree of mental culture, and the attainment personally of a high standard of morality. Phi Delta Theta has groups at University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Mercer University, Georgia Southern and University of West Georgia.