Seventy-two participants raced around Hinesville on Oct. 11 in the second annual Healthy Hinesville 5K to benefit local patients with mental-health problems and build awareness for the services that support them.
The race, which began at Bradwell Park, was part of the Healthy Hinesville Initiative, a program that promotes healthy lifestyles, nutrition and exercise.   
During a ceremony after the run, the top three men and women in five age groups received awards.
The first runner to finish was Mohamed Sankoh, followed by Alexander Rodrigues and Daniel Lister. The first woman to cross the finish line was Maria Garcia.
Snelson-Golden Middle School’s run group was the largest team to participate, and the members won a trophy for their efforts.
Saundrea Polk, who attends Georgia Southern University, participated in the event to help raise awareness for healthy lifestyles and to support the mental-health fundraiser.
“I used to run a lot in high school, so I’m trying to get back into the groove it,” Polk said after crossing the finish line at the 27-minute mark, good for second place in her age category. “I’ve always been interested in fitness and nutrition, and I want to get back into running to stay healthy. “
She originally is from Seattle but has family in the area.
“My aunt lives here and was recently diagnosed with heart failure, so I am trying to push her to improve her lifestyle,” Polk said. “Eating right and exercising is so important, and it is never too late to make a change.”
The proceeds from the event will go to Georgia Regional Hospital.
“The hospital is based in Savannah, but a lot of people don’t realize that they accept patients from our entire region,” Hinesville Public Relations Manager Krystal Hart said. “A lot of their patients are from Hinesville or Liberty County, so it is fitting to give the mental-health proceeds to that organization.”
The Healthy Hinesville 5K was held to help the community focus on health and wellness and also to make people aware of the total health-and-wellness spectrum, which includes mental health.
“We wanted to piece together the puzzle,” Hart said. “We are already doing employee wellness challenges and giving information out to our employees on overall health and wellness. Mental health is an important part of that puzzle, too.”
The Hinesville Downtown Development Authority will visit Georgia Regional Hospital in December to present the proceeds from this year’s fundraising efforts.
“That is always a great event because it ties everything back together,” Hart said. “It is so nice to be able to visit the patients, and they are always grateful for the company during the holiday season.”
The event also provided a way for the community to support local businesses, and it gave the businesses a chance to sponsor a meaningful cause.
Joseph Grant, an agent with Hinesville State Farm, sponsored the event last year and participated this year as well.
“I’m really happy to contribute to such a worthwhile cause,” said Grant, who originally is from Charleston, South Carolina. “This is such a great area, and these are the nicest folks I’ve ever met in my life. … My wife and I feel very welcomed here.”