ALWS Road to Hope 5K moving to April

In an effort to draw more runners in the annual Road to Hope 5K, organizers have moved the race — annually the opening event of the 7th Inning Stretch Festival before the American Legion World Series — from August to April.

This year’s Road to Hope 5K will take place April 29 in Shelby, N.C., the permanent home of the ALWS.

“The heat and humidity in August are oppressive and can be dangerous,” said Kim Davis, media director for the festival, related events and the ALWS. “We’re hoping the April date will draw more runners and therefore, more contributions to Road to Hope Shelby.”

Proceeds from race registration and related sponsorships go to Road to Hope Shelby, a 529-mile bike ride from Shelby to Washington, D.C., held annually each May. The ride ends at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, which lists the names of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

This year’s 5K will be the 10th annual race affiliated with the 7th Inning Stretch Festival and the ALWS.

The 7th Inning Stretch Festival will take place Aug. 5, the Saturday before the 96th American Legion World Series, Aug. 10-15.