Right to Hike announces Ella's 5K and Fun Run

Right to Hike Inc. is a local non-profit dedicated to continuing the life passions of Meredith Emerson, the 24 year old woman whose life was taken earlier this year in North Georgia, while hiking with her black lab, Ella.

Ella's Run will take place on Oct. 25 at The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center in Buford, GA. Meredith and Ella often hiked the same trails that will host the 5k and 1 mile Fun Run. "We would like to encourage participants to bring their dogs for both events, it is something that makes this event different from all of the other races out there. Meredith and Ella would have efinitely been among the first to register for something like this," says Julia Karrenbauer, Vice-President of Right to Hike Inc. and Emerson's roommate.

The 5k will consist of both scenic forest paths and paved trails. The fun run is entirely paved and is a wonderful way to get the whole family involved.

Each participant will receive the first annual Ella's Run t-shirt and those who raise $100 and over will receive a commemorative medal for their contributions. Right to Hike, Inc. will pay a special tribute to each dog that completes a portion of Ella's Run because animals were such a large part of Meredith's life.

Chris Hendley, President of Right to Hike Inc. hopes that, "this event becomes a symbol of everyone's right to hike, run or walk with their family and friends without fear. This is an opportunity for avid runners, beginners and those who would like to show their support to come together for a special cause."

The Gwinnett Humane Society will be on hand to microchip dogs for a reduced rate and will also bring many of their adoptable animals who will need participants to help them walk around the fun run. SPOT pager systems will be out before and after the event to demonstrate how the GPS location devices function. Part of the funds raised by Right to Hike, Inc. will go toward the purchase of the pagers that will be placed at trail heads for rental by future hikers. Their implementation will hopefully continue to make our trials safe and enjoyable.

Ella's Run is currently accepting inquiries for sponsorships. For more information and to sign up for the event, visit www.righttohikeinc.com. If you would like to contribute to Right to Hike Inc. and their goals, donations are now accepted through the website. Meredith's friends and family would like to thank the community for their support as Right to Hike Inc. continues to strive to make a positive difference that Meredith would have.
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