City gears up for fourth Defiant Run

By Deborah Goodwin

The Selma Times-Journal

There is no &8220;I&8221; in team.

On March 31, Selma will celebrate diversity with the 4th Annual Defiant Run. The event is a 13-mile road race and obstacle course during which two people of different races are cuffed at the wrist and have to work together to make it to the finish line.

The run is sponsored by the SYDC along with other collaborative agencies.

The run will start at 9 a.m. at the Performing Arts Center, 100 Selma Ave., and will end there. Registration will begin at 8 a.m.

Selma is famous for its civil rights history, but some of the scars of racism remain. The Defiant Run is an opportunity for locals, and out-of-towners to celebrate diversity by coming together and working together with one goal in mind.

According to Hardy, some city leaders such as Probate Judge Kim Ballard, City Council President George Evans and Mayor James Perkins Jr. have already committed to participate in the run.

The obstacle course involves a climbing hay bales, crawling under a rope course, and treading a 50-foot water trough.

Hardy advises participants to dress for the weather and &8220;don’t wear your makeup.&8221;

Monetary prizes will be awarded in five divisions for first ($500), second ($250) and third ($100) places &045; male, female, co-ed, 12 and under, and 50 and under. The awards will be announced at the suit and tie ceremony back at the Performing Arts Center 6 p.m. that evening.

Last year’s female winners were Valerie Chittom and Tameka Little.

The male winners were Pierre Webster and Jesse Lindsey.

For those not up to running a 13-mile race, there is a 5K Run.

According to Hardy, there were 70 participants at last year’s run, this year &8220;we’re looking to triple that.&8221;

All participants under legal age must be registered by a parent or guardian. Entry forms my be obtained from the Centre for Commerce Building, located at 912 Selma Ave., by calling 872-0426 or coming by 1418 Union St.

The entry fee is $25 per person.