Times-Journal News Editor

Defiant Run organizer Frank Hardy admits Hurricane Ivan made him a little nervous.

“I was concerned about the Bloch Park area, that’s low land and part of the attraction to this race is the obstacle course,” Hardy said. “I was a little bit concerned about whether the obstacle course was going to be underwater.”

Thankfully, no scuba gear will be necessary.

Ivan did damage Bloch Park, blowing over the home dugout, but the Defiant Run will go on this weekend as scheduled Saturday, Sept. 25 at 8 a.m.

“This is a project about bringing people together,” Hardy said.

The Defiant Run is a half-marathon and walk sponsored by the Selma Youth Development Center which features teams of competitors of different races linked together at the arm in a show of unity promoting teamwork.

“I want the community to adopt this race, that’s the only way it can fulfill it’s potential,” Hardy said. “I want to invite all of Selma to come out Friday morning and meet with us in the mall to sign up.

We’re accepting walkers, runners and will allow single runners.”

Even if you don’t want to walk or run, Hardy asks for Selmians to come out and support those that do run.

“I’m asking that everyone to feel the need to make sure their organization or business is represented Saturday morning in The Defiant Run,” he said.

Hardy said that the second year for The Defiant Run has been tough because of the political races.

Hardy says it’s important for The Defiant Run to have political support but not be seen as a political event.

“You really want the support of political leaders, but at the same time you don’t want it to become political,” Hardy said. “You don’t want the public to see this as a pet project for the local politicians.”

This year The Defiant Run will also host a Health Fair to help educate citizens on the importance of fitness.