Run the Reagan Ushers in New Year

Run the Reagan kicks off today, when as many as 3,000 participants are expected to take to Ronald Reagan Parkway for the annual family sporting event.

It kicks off today -- February 18, 2012 -- at 9 a.m. Ronald Reagan Parkway will be closed for the festivities.

Organizers say the year-long planning has been tough, but that they're ready for busy day. They hope this year's event is better than the last.

Kim Maddox, a volunteer extraordinaire said they have volunteers and sponsors to thank for a smooth, albeit exhausting planning process. In addition, there's been new cooperation from the Snellville City Council and the Gwinnett Sports Commission, she said.

"We are using many of our loyal vendors for tents, inflatables, DJ, awards, etc.," Maddox said. "We have used the same companies for over four years now."

Overall, nearly 300 volunteers are expected to today to pull the event off. And, all proceeds go to benefit Young Life and Gwinnett Community Clinic.

In addition to the road race, there will be also dozens of booths manned by sponsors who bring everything from tasty eats, health information and interactive games, and more. There will also be a family fun area for children.

Maddox considers it "the best family running event in Georgia."

This year, organizers also have added a school challenge. The local school with the most runners participating will receive a $500 gift card from Academy Sports + Outdoors, the newest sponsor.

Michael Costello, the senior regional promotions coordinator for Academy Sports + Outdoors said the company -- new to Snellville in the past year -- is happy to part of the Run the Reagan movement.

"A cornerstone of the Academy Sports + Outdoors philosophy is active community support and grassroots involvement," he said. "The Run the Reagan event presents itself as both one of Gwinnett county's signature running events and also a fun family friendly atmosphere for those not running.  

"Being our first year in Snellville the opportunity to support such a fun outdoor event allows us to show thanks and support to the local community."

Participants and attendees can find Academy + Outdoors in the family festival village with games, giveaways, and (weather permitting) a sports challenge inflatable.  

These kind of health-centered activities is more of what communities need, Costello added.

Such events "create both a greater sense of community while also encouraging people to live a more active and healthy lifestyle," he said.

For more information on Run the Reagan, click here. There is also day-off registration available.