BY DEBBIE PAGE

About 185 festively dressed runners, walkers, and canine companions wound their way through the streets of Troutman on Sunday afternoon in the final event of the weekend of holiday festivities.

Parks and Recreation Director Emily Watson welcomed participants and spectators to the event. She expressed appreciation the many volunteers who made the event possible, including Michele Sparks, who sang the National Anthem just prior to the race.

Emily Cowan, My Sister’s House victim advocate, thanked the crowd for their generous donations to the facility, which has a 24-hour crisis line (704-872-3403) and provides a safe place for women and children fleeing domestic, sexual violence and/or human trafficking. Counselors and advocates work directly with individuals, providing hospital and court advocacy, peer support and case management services.

D.H. Horton sponsored the race, and Your Coffee Place, PhDs, Lisa Crates Photography and Harbor Point Dental provided refreshments.

After Sparks led the crowd in the National Anthem, McLelland Racing Team officials started the race from its Town Hall starting line. Each participant got a T-shirt and finishers medal.

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