It was a beautiful day to celebrate hope for the thousands of walkers, runners and supporters of Sherry’s Run. The air was cool and crisp and you could just feel the energy buzzing through the crowd. Everyone there had a purpose and it was the same…to give hope to their neighbors.

Many come to walk side by side with someone they love who is fighting the greatest battle of their lives. Some come to run their heart out in memory of someone they have lost. And everyone comes to provide assistance to the hundreds of cancer patients and their families who will benefit from the money raised over the next year. “Next week, another new cancer patient will walk through our doors and we will be able to extend him hope because of what happened here today,” says Alisa Eakes, Patient Assistance Coordinator for Sherry’s Run.

The 2017 Sherry’s Run was dedicated to the memory of Charles “Killer” Tomlinson and Mackey Bentley. Charles dedicated his life to serving this community through law enforcement. His life verse was “Here am I send me” and he truly lived that out every day. Mackey Bentley’s motto was “it’s always right to do the right thing” and he modeled that to everyone with whom he came into contact. 

The 2017 Sherry’s Run was in honor of Cindy Thorne and Denise Moore. Cindy’s smile and positive attitude brighten every room she walks into. She is also the creator of many of the beautiful lime green bows seen around town. Denise and her #TeamMimi took Sherry’s Run by storm this year with the largest team. It’s no wonder the community had supported her…she is a bright and positive force to those around her. 

The support was not only in spirit and attendance, but also in generosity. So far, more than $310,000 has been given. That money will help families affected by any kind of cancer who live in Wilson County or the surrounding communities, who are actively pursuing treatment and demonstrate a true financial need.

The 99 teams that participated added excitement and morale to the event in a special way.  Thanks to all those who formed and joined a team, the Team Chairs and all the Team Captains!  The following teams received awards:

• Most participants on a team – Team Mimi with 120 Team members; Team Captain: Tamara Lampsa
• Most money raised (over entry fees): – Whit’s Warriors who raised $21,335; Team Captain: Tammy Robertson
• Most team spirit: Frankie’s Playhouse; Team Captain: Frankie Phillips
• Team T-shirt Competition: Rebecca’s Race For Life ; Team Captain: Sonya Duncan

Without the tireless efforts of our faithful volunteers, this event would not be possible. Robert Hutcheson has been a volunteer since the very beginning and has dedicated countless hours to making the event run smoothly. Robert is a true example of what Sherry’s Run is all about and the perfect recipient of the 2017 Sherry’s Run Volunteer of the Year award.  We cannot thank him enough for his service.
Thank you to the more than 300 volunteers who worked so hard and contributed countless hours to make this event successful.   Thanks to all who participated in the ‘Paint Your Town Green’ campaign – you were instrumental in elevating the awareness of our event with green ribbons throughout our communities. 

Congratulations to the race winners:

• Female overall winner: Trisha Scott
• Male overall winner: Sam Payne
• Female Masters winner: Ashlee Chance
• Male Masters winner: Andrew Head

For a full list of winners by age category and runner times, click here.

On behalf of the Sherry’s Run Board of Directors we offer our sincerest thanks. The success of this event lies with everyone who chose to make a difference and supported Wilson County’s largest faith-based non-profit event.