Second annual Midtown event benefits Wynnton Neighborhood Network

BY ALLISON KENNEDY - akennedy@ledger-enquirer.com --

Charlie Snipes began having what would become nine months of back pain in the summer of 2006, with continual numbness in one leg. It hurt to walk. His doctor told him he needed surgery. He'd had back surgery before, so Snipes wasn't keen on the idea of another operation. It would repair two herniated discs.

But, aware of the pain he was in and that his job required international travel as well as extensive periods of standing, he was resigned to the idea. Snipes began physical therapy.

Then one day he went to work in his garden.

"I got in the yard and pulled weeds and tried to stretch my back," said Snipes, who works at TSYS. "The pain started going away."

So much so that he picked up his former habit of walking in the mornings at Lakebottom Park. And then he gradually added jogging -- an eighth of a mile at first then building up to three miles.

Next weekend, he will run in the second Midtown Classic which benefits the Wynnton Neighborhood Network, an organization supported by six congregations in the midtown area. It's the first time Snipes, a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, will have run in a race.

Wynnton Neighborhood Network, located in the back of St. Thomas, supplies food as a stop-gap for those in need, and financial assistance up to a percentage when people have their utilities disconnected. Wynnton United Methodist Church hosts the Classic.

Last year's inaugural event raised $7,300 with 350 people participating, either as runners or spectators or planners. So far this year, donations amount to $9,850.

"One of the goals is we're trying to draw attention to the Midtown area, which is undergoing revitalization," said the Rev. Matt Avera, the associate pastor at Wynnton and the staff liaison for the event. "We're saying we're here to support our home and our neighborhood.

"We're also helping one of those organizations that helps the needy," he said.

Food & music, too

The day starts at 8:30 a.m. with a one-mile Fun Run, followed by a 5K run at 9 a.m. If they wish, participants may compete for medals in various age categories. The overall male winner, and overall female winner, will also be awarded regardless of age.

After the race, there will be food and music and fellowship in the area beside the church. (Because, after all, what good is a church event without food and fellowship?) As they did last year, a Christian band called Barefoot Soul will perform. The Midtown Classic will end by 11 a.m. It will go on, "rain or shine, sleet or hail," Avera said, though the food and entertainment in the parking lot will be moved into the church in case of bad weather.

Hallie Turner is participating in her second Midtown Classic, and it's her first since joining Wynnton United Methodist last year. She started attending the church because of the enjoyment from the '07 race, she said. The day after the first Midtown Classic, she visited Wynnton and found a home in a Sunday school. She joined a few months later.

"Everyone was so nice and friendly," said Turner, who won her division. So enthused by the event, she became one of the primary planners for this Midtown Classic.

The 5K route will start beside the church on Ada Avenue, cross Wynnton Road to Stark Avenue and 13th Street; take a zig-zag to Wildwood Avenue; pass St. Paul United Methodist and dip down to Cherokee Avenue; and circle back around to the church. Turner, however, will not be able to defend her title for two reasons: One, she said she's not in running shape after undergoing treatment from breast cancer. And two, she'll be keeping a handle that day on post-race activities.

"I'd love to be able to run but there will be too much going on," said Turner.

As for Snipes, he continues in his practice runs, happily pain free.

"I still see my physical therapist three times a week -- as we wave at each other going around the park," he said.

IF YOU GO

What: Midtown Classic -- a one-mile Fun Run and a 5K run

When: April 26

Where: Wynnton United Methodist Church

Fee: $20 for the 5K and $10 for the one-mile Fun Run. You don't have to run to donate.

For more information: 706-324-2424