NORTH AUGUSTA - Alison Nelson was on the verge of running out of bibs for the runners.
Nelson, the communications director for the Run for the Hills 5K Trail Run/Walk, said the turnout for the race was at capacity - of the 120 or so bibs they had, each had been spoken for. Runners gathered at the starting line, ranging in age, skill and even technology, with some running with a GoPro camera.
All of them were there to take part in the run, which showcased a piece of the 262-acre Greystone Preserve, located off Martintown Road.
"We wanted to showcase this to the public," Nelson said. "This is actually our first time doing so. This is a preserve, so there are rare, endangered flowers on this property. We wanted people to be able to see the beauty of this property, and running seems to be a good way to get people out on it and to view it."
The preserve is a part of a local nonprofit, the Central Savannah River Land Trust. The land was donated by the Knox family, and is home to relict trillium, a flower under the threat of extinction. Runners and walkers alike were able to see the beautiful backdrop as they headed into the woods as part of the event.
Not only was the event a success from participants, but Nelson also had plenty of help.
"We had so much support from Fort (Gordon) and the personal volunteers who reached out," she said. "For them to support this, and to support myself - it has been awesome. For people to understand what the land trust is all about, I couldn't be happier. That was our goal - to get the word out and show people a little bit of what we do."
All proceeds from the event go to preserving more lands around the CSRA such as Greystone.
For more information, visit www.csrlt.org.