In an effort to raise money for cystic fibrosis, Lee University will host the sixth annual 65 Roses 5K Road Race in combination with the Great Strides walk on April 12.

The course is set to begin at Lee and travels through Main Street in downtown Cleveland and the Ocoee Historic District before ending up back on campus.

The road race is the first certified event in the Chattanooga Track Club’s Runner of the Year series.

Bill Estes, Lee associate professor of education and the director of the race, noted the significance of the annual competition.

“Our relationship with the Chattanooga Track Club and the commitment of the local running community continues to make the 65 Roses 5K one of the best races in Southeast Tennessee,” Estes said.

The contest, which began in 2003, has had a consistent increase in participation.

Just last year, the race drew in a total of 375 competitors.
“We are expecting 400 this year. And this is only the runners. Volunteers, family members, and walkers make that number much higher,” Estes said.
The 65 Roses 5K has had high involvement from Lee students in the past as well. Students are always needed to help with tasks like registration, setting up, handing out water, and scoring.
In addition, many students choose to run in the race themselves.
“We could not even put this on without Lee students… Each year we have had more and more students run in the race,” Estes said.
Registration starts at 7 a.m. and the 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. Awards will be given in a variety on age categories. Children can also take part in a one-kilometer fun run which is set to begin at 9:15 a.m.

Early registration is $20 or $25 for those who wait until the day of the race.

However, Lee students can register for free in the DeVos Recreation Center.

The race is sponsored by Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory. All proceeds from the 65 Roses 5k will go the CF Foundation to help fund cystic fibrosis research.

Registrants can send an e-mail to greatstrides@leeuniversity.edu or call 423-614-8406 for more information.