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Trojan Trotters dodge rain to help Court Appointed Special Advocates
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Nath Morris, left, and John Gram, both of Gainesville, visit after running the 5K race Sunday at the sixth annual Trojan Trot. - photo by Bianca Bruno

Some 50 runners braved the rainy weather Sunday afternoon to take part in the sixth annual Trojan Trot for Children at North Hall High School.

The run was sponsored by the North Hall Drama Boosters Club and the Court Appointed Special Advocate program of Hall and Dawson counties.

The Trojan Trot included a 1-mile fun run, a 5-kilometer race and a 50-yard Tot Trot. All proceeds go to CASA and the North Hall Drama Club.

The annual fundraiser was coordinated by Lisa McCarthy, advocacy coordinator for CASA, and Jane Ewing, drama club teacher at North Hall High School. The Trojan Trot is CASA’s only fundraiser, and both women agreed that it is usually successful.

"Last year we had about 100 runners," Ewing said. "They (CASA) have a very valuable program. We benefit some, but it (Trojan Trot) is a community outreach for us."

"We’re working on doing more (fundraisers)," McCarthy said.

Danny Sanderson, chairman of the board for CASA, was also at the event to help out.

Sanderson said that the "weather slowed the turnout," yet there were at least 50 runners.

The running event was open to the public with trophies awarded in eight different age ranges as well as first, second and third place for the 1-mile and a male and female overall winner.

All runners received a medal for participating. Those participating in the run ranged in age from 10 to 70.

The $20 registration fee the day of the race included a T-shirt and refreshments.

The overall male winner and first-place runner in the 5K, Brian Jimenez, a senior at North Hall, said he came to get a run in before his regional track meet. He said he plans to learn more about the CASA program after participating in the event.

Katherine Foote, a freshman at North Hall High School, also became interested in CASA by attending the race. Foote said she came to the race to get in shape but "would like to try and help" CASA in the future.

North Hall graduate Luke Schwindler, who also goes by DJ Sky, set up a DJ booth at the event. Schwindler works with JB Jams of Gainesville and said he "came out to support the school."

To make a donation to or volunteer for CASA, call 770-531-1964.