Fultondale’s “Sammy’s Run” 5K race celebrates 25th running

Published 2:24 pm Friday, May 1, 2015

A longtime Fultondale tradition and fundraiser is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Sammy’s Run, a 5K run and one-mile fun run or walk, generates proceeds for the Fultondale Fire Department, which is all volunteer.

The run is June 20, 8 a.m., at Walker Chapel Baptist Church.

The event is organized by Sammy Morris of Fultondale, who estimates that the runs have raised at least $30,000 for the fire department throughout the years.

Morris, 75, could frequently be seen running throughout Fultondale until a knee replacement about 18 months ago slowed him down a little.

Morris began running in order to train for tennis, when he discovered that running itself was his true passion.

He has been running for 43 years and has run 43 marathons, including in Boston, Ireland, Bermuda, New Orleans, Birmingham and many others.

Despite his knee replacement, Morris is running again, although he does not see any marathons in his future.

“It’s the only thing I’ve every been addicted to in my whole life,” he said. “It’s a good way to relieve stress, and running marathons is a good challenge.”

The 5K course for Sammy’s Run is USA Track and Field certified. There are various age groups and awards given, along with prizes.

Participants can register for the run at any Trak Shak location or at Hibbett’s Sporting Goods, or online at active.com.

Registration by June 19 is $20 plus one canned good; registration the day of the race is $30 plus one canned good.

All canned goods will be given to those in need in the Fultondale community.

To learn more, call Morris at 849-5740.